The performance of age-old one man plays, Dr. Marigold and Mr. Chops, by none other than fabled British writer, Charles Dickens, backtracks quite a ways through British history. For over 150 years these plays have been absent from London stages however they are now being resurrected in a city that has seen some change. Walking into the modern Riverside Studios in London the audience, composed of aged couples and young families, gives off a sense of historical tradition, perhaps even nostalgia towards the lost Dickensian era, along with witnessing this one man show—a strange feeling. Though London is home to a long list of old theaters with historical notoriety, Riverside would not be included on this list. Given the Studio’s history as a cutting edge arts advocate during the 1970s, the one man plays of Charles Dickens may come as a mismatch in an establishment that is more akin to a movie cinema than a theatre dedicated to drama. Yet, it was clear that the plays Dr. Marigold and Mr. Chops still contain a stirring resonance with modern day London.
Before the show, a family waited ahead of me in line. The kids were restless; they hung on their father as the mother went to fetch drinks and snacks from the café. I could have been standing in line for a Disneyland ride. Such was the novelty of what I was about to see. However, upon entering studio 2, the reserved section had already been filled by couples well into their 50s or 60s, giddy to see British T.V. and Movie star, Simon Callow, put on a one man show. It was a strange contradiction to the family I had just witnessed in line. If anything this seemed to underline the gap apparent in the audience: not many teenagers. Regardless of this the moveable chairs were packed full with eager fans by the time the production began.
Callow succeeds in giving a reviving performance, bringing these old characters to life. The audience was captivated as Callow portrayed the cockney accented Circus owner and his short friend Mr. Chops. Essentially, Callow brings two characters to the small stage, switching between the narrator’s energetic story-telling and Mr. Chops off-kilter intelligence. It is a charming tale, complete with plenty of humor and a bittersweet conclusion. Audience members warmed up to the playfulness and seemed spellbound with Mr. Chops endeavors. The story retained a timeless message of social pariahs stomped on by the real world.
When intermission came after Mr. Chops, I heard old ladies discussing the writings of Charles Dickens next to me. I realized then how much these plays were like museum exhibits. The stage was wooden and cobwebbed; the audience wanting to understand an older time. This aura permeates the whole performance; not so much as a lesson, but more so as folkloric example—the characters, the stories, and the language all conjuring a clear look at what England may have been. Callow renews Dickens’s characters and gives a vivid recreation that is as enlightening as it is entertaining.
The crowd filed back into their seats for Dr. Marigold, cake and coffee still in hand. This is where Callow really hits his stride. He looks warmed up now and completely engaged. Dr. Marigold begins with the same energy of Mr. Chops, drawing the audience in immediately with the savvy of a business man; rattling off prices at the top speed, pointing into the audience, and spitting out his tale with clear diction. The crowd laughed at all the jokes and was maybe a little caught off guard when the monologue becomes somber. My emotions bounced frantically from heartbroken to joyful. A sad anecdote was quickly countered with a snap of wit coming from Dr. Marigold the cheap jack.
By the time the performance ended, the audience was still completely charmed by Callow’s performance. Perhaps, we all wished to stay engaged for a while longer, to see and hear more. It is known that drama provides escape. But what we saw at Riverside Studios was so much more—a tale that invites us to see history, to appreciate something of the past. As Callow closed out the monologue and the lights dimmed, a cellphone ring from the audience marked the ending of the production, reminding us all of the age we live in.
I had also heard from Christian that this was a wonderful play and it was enjoyable to read your very well written account, Wade. It is interesting that places with more history to them than the US tend to focus much more of their art on the past as a reference. Thanks for the story.