The Pleasure Garden at Above the Stag | Review

For two centuries, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens drew enormous crowds for its circus acts, balloon rides, orchestral concerts and spectacular fireworks. For those in the know, however, the darker paths, wooded corners and intimate arbours were used for more illicit and illegal entertainments. But now it’s 1850 and the gardens are in their dying days. Yet still the faithful come…

Tom Restless, a handsome young gardener, is torn between the affections of a hopelessly romantic shipping clerk and a sexually voracious aristocratic couple. With the gardens closing and his livelihood under threat, will Tom choose a bohemian life with Ralph; employment with the unorthodox Lord and Lady Lovelock; or answer the drumbeat of a looming overseas war?

The Pleasure Garden, on now at Above the Stag theatre, is a traditional Victorian-style operatic musical set at the turn of the 20th century. The story is based on the history around near the theatre itself and whilst it can be a bit twee in places this camp trip back in time is an eye-opening look into the past.

The costuming is almost fairytale-like and the illustrated stylised set projection has a similar, magical feel which allows the audience to slip into the world of the people of the Vaxual Pleasure Gardens. The score is striking, especially as it’s performed by such a small yet talented musical group,the music really fills the room. Whilst the cast is strong throughout the vocal stylings of Benjamin Wong in their role as Princess Saura really steals the show with their impressive operatic high notes.

The first half does feel slightly long in places and would welcome a cut song or two to keep the pace of the show going. Thankfully the second half makes up for it and adds real energy into the show. The I’m Dr. Whatt song, which proved to be a crowd favorite benefits from leaning onto the camo elements of the performance. Whilst some of the elements of this story seemed outlandish and almost unbelievable I was amazed to find out they were all based on real stories of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, including the man paid to sit amongst the trees and pretend to be a nightingale! This show is a real peek at what this age of contrasting decadence and debauchery was like in a place where people from all backgrounds were able to come together.

The Pleasure Garden is on until the 17th of October, tickets are £24 and are available directly from the Above the Stag website.