Dirty Hare at The Royal Court Theatre offers a provocative and electrifying exploration of abuse and the complexities of female empowerment, showcased through the lens of a gripping and surreal narrative. Winning many awards at the Fringe including Lyn Gardner’s pick It was top of my list and I was eager to know what the fuss was about.
This co-creation by Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan, and Rachel Lemon presents Gunter, a production that transcends traditional storytelling to confirm that this really was an exhilarating experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant and left me bounding with fiery energy.
Set against the backdrop of a shocking crime in 1604, Gunter delves into the story of Brian Gunter, a man from a village in Oxford who after committing a heinous murder act to two boys. The mother, Elizabeth, of the two boys demands justice and Gunter’s daughter Anne shows signs of bewitchment like swallowing pills and flying. Suspicions of course turn to Elizabeth instead of Gunter. The question was is Anne truly possessed or was she a subject of her father’s manipulation and abuse to cover his own tracks?
This question ultimately ends up in court.
At its core, Gunter confronts themes of abusive relationships, coercion, and the struggle for female empowerment. Through a masterful blend of original aspects of a punky horror vibes with humour, chaotic music and punchy dance sequences the production navigates the complexities of these issues by going between fiction and truth throughout. As an audience member, I found myself oscillating between moments of laughter and moments of profound introspection, sometimes even at the brink of tears, ultimately culminating in a moving confession.
Central to the production’s impact are the exceptional performances delivered by the talented cast, including Julia Grogan, Hannah Jarrett-Scott, and Norah Lopez Holden.
Each actor brings a blazing power, depth and authenticity to their roles, seamlessly transitioning between characters and capturing the raw essence. The use of audience participation added to the emotion as it made me feel even more involved in the chaos of the performance, inviting viewers to actively engage with the unfolding narrative. From crowd waves to playful interactions with the front row, it created moments of genuine connection between us all.
The production’s creative team, including a clearly musically gifted composer Lydia Higman, designer Anna Orton, lighting designer Amy Daniels, and sound designer Roly Botha, collaborate seamlessly to create a stunning aesthetic. From the backdrop of grabbing statements on a projector, to evocative music that underscores pivotal moments to the striking animal head costumes that transform actors into otherworldly beings due to witches metamorphosing, every element of the production is meticulously crafted to enhance the feeling of total immersion.
Gunter is an exhilarating, moving, and unapologetically bold play, A zesty banger and must-see theatrical experience that leaves a lasting impression. Definitely a theatre company to watch.
Gunter is at the Royal Court until 25th April
