The description of Richard Bean’s The Heretic as a ‘hilarious comedy’ rings true in The Library Theatre’s current production. Eccentric characters, clever scripting and an original angle all contribute to the success of the play, which received much audience appreciation throughout. Telling the story of Dr Diane Cassell, the black sheep of the science department at a Yorkshire university, Bean encapsulates the current issues of climate change and rising sea levels alongside plots of romance, death threats and psychological disorders. Cate Hamer, as Cassell, superbly portrays an ardent researcher, unorthodox university tutor and exhausted mother of an anorexic. Sophie Robinson and Stuart Fox also deliver strong performances as Phoebe and Professor Kevin Maloney, however their verbal repetitions and infuriating characters prove tiresome eventually. The star of the show comes in the form of Ciaran Kellgren as Ben Shotter, a highly intelligent but socially awkward student with a colourful past. Andrew Westfield as Geoff, the university’s security chief, and Polly Lister as HR officer Catherine Tickell also shine, but both appearances are disappointingly brief.
Bean’s attacks on academia receive the majority of laughs; the truths of university are divulged, where Sociology and Media Studies reign supreme, tutorials are not cost effective, and top institutions ‘lack intellectual vigour.’ The production’s confidence in political and cultural mockery is also refreshing and highly entertaining. As well as science and bureaucracy, The Heretic involves sensitive issues including anorexia and self-harm, but the light hearted manner in which they are approached ensures that comedy prevails throughout. Along with powerful subject matter, the language remains strong in the case of many characters, however despite its hilarity and ‘realness’, the swearing becomes exasperating and is inconsequential by the second part.
The contrast of accents, dialects and tones is a great feature throughout, with Ben Shotter’s street-slang and colloquialisms providing a welcome break from Dr Cassell’s academic superiority and Phoebe’s pretentious whines. Despite the gradual deterioration of the plot, which becomes more disorienting and less plausible, the verbal interaction remains strong throughout. Minor slip-ups did not go unnoticed in the case of Cate Hamer, however she redeemed herself in the fantastic monologue prior to her suspension.
The incorporation of a Radio 4 interview and a humorous song provide great relief from a busy plot, and Ben Shotter’s comedic involvement is greatly appreciated at certain points. Great use of the limited set is also notable throughout, and each cast member ensures the play remains dynamic. There is also terrific chemistry between the characters and each exchange is fluent and believable; however the scene of physical confrontation leaves something to be desired. Nevertheless the production remains effective, and its originality and humour outweigh its minor blemishes, guaranteeing laughs from devoted environmentalists and climate change sceptics alike.