Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
An unfulfilling adaptation of the classic French novel which leaves passion out of the love triangle.Summary
Rating
Ok
Adapted from the 1953 novel by Henri-Pierre Roché but undoubtedly better known from François Truffaut’s 1962 movie, Jules and Jim tells of a love triangle. Jules (Samuel Collings), an Austrian writer, moves to Paris and through a shared love of the arts becomes close friends with Frenchman Jim (Alex Mugnaioni). This friendship is so close that it is suggested more than once that they may even be more than friends. On a trip to Greece, they become transfixed by a statue of a goddess, in particular her smile. So, when Jules meets Kath (Patricia Allison) and sees that same smile on her face, it is love at first sight. Unfortunately, Jim feels the same way. Over three decades and through World War I, the three remain connected in a triangle of friendship and romance.
There are some sparks of real connection shown in the men’s friendships, occasional moments where we see a great bond between them, but a show of more emotional intensity would have added to the production. Similarly, outside of their intense, overwhelming attraction to Kath’s smile, the show fails to explore their reasons for attraction to her. Nor is there much to show why Kath would be interested in either of these men, herself being confident and independent outside of Jim and Jules.
The pared-back three-man production paints Kath as callous in her disregard for the men; she comes across as more selfish than free-spirited. This renders the men’s attraction to her less credible. The core of the story remains the friendship between the two men, and while this works at points, it glosses over the years passed and the effects of the first World War, failing to convincingly develop their bond. In the end, the relationship triangle doesn’t quite click. The unseen other characters, notably Gilberte (Jim’s fiance) and Albert (the neighbour with whom Kath has an affair) are too distant, too scantily sketched to be impactful or provide a contrast to the intensity of the central trio’s dynamics.
Spanning over three decades, the production employs monologues, with characters turning to comfortably address the audience. Strong light work from Chris McDonnell highlights and emphasises the narration. The set, designed by Isabella Van Braeckel, consists of two sliding glass panels around which the cast move, particularly in the early scenes, however this seems detached from the plot and soon fades out of use. The highlight of the set design is the use of a feature behind the shutters creating a spectacular visual at a key moment, and it is later cleverly inverted, much to the amazement of the audience.
This performance fails to engage the audience, resulting in a long 90 minutes in which we are neither transported to the streets of Paris nor a passionate love triangle. There are moments of brilliance, particularly in terms of set design, as well as strong references to the original novel. Overall, Jules and Jim is an unfortunate rare case where the movie proves a better watch than the play.
Written by: Timberlake Wertenbaker
Directed by: Stella Powell-Jones
Set & Costume Design by: Isabella Van Braeckel
Lighting Design by: Chris McDonnell
Jules and Jim plays at Jermyn Street Theatre until 27 May. Further information and tickets can be found here.
