The prize for adventurous programming goes to Chester’s Storyhouse, whose lineup in Grosvenor Park’s outdoor theatre-in-the-round includes this vision of a lawless America where fist fights, gambling and bribery abound. Quite a contrast to the familiar summer fare of The Importance of Being Earnest and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (don’t worry: they’re doing them as well). And quite refreshing to see a large audience lapping it up without qualm.
True, it is based on Herbert Asbury’s 1928 nonfiction book rather than Martin Scorsese’s bleak 2002 movie, which frees playwright Kieran Lynn to up the romance and push towards something like a happy ending. But that is not to understate the themes of violence, anti-Irish racism and political corruption that define this picture of mid-19th century New York.
With Scorsese’s animating backstory removed (at no cost), The Gangs of New York is about John Morrissey and Hell-Cat Maggie, newly arrived from Ireland and quick to insinuate themselves into the life of a feuding city. Played by a tireless Oisín Thompson, Morrissey has the rough edge of a street fighter but enough uncultivated charm to catch the eye of the independently minded Suzie Smith (Yolanda Ovide). Together, they prove an invincible power couple (the audience swoons when they kiss) with a trajectory like that of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders.
Maggie’s ambitions are more modest but, played with relish by Hanora Kamen, she uses her pick-pocketing skills and general ferocity to survive in an unforgiving environment. Her unexpected attraction to pushed-around cop Lew Barker (Lucas Button) suggests the possibility of life after crime.
Director John Young uses the outdoor setting to his advantage, turning the audience into citizens of this unruly city, whether we are clapping along to the Irish-inflected live score by ME + Deboe (Mercy Elise and Sarah Deboe), cheering on an illegal boxing bout or roaring for our candidate at an election rally.
As the bruising, money-driven presidential campaign heats up in present-day America, we look upon Morrissey’s charismatic rise with more than a little ambivalence. Amid the power, corruption and lies, we cling to the rare glimmers of decency.
At Grosvenor Park, Chester, until 31 August
