Review: The Gangs of New York, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Words – Paul Crofts / Pictures – Mark McNulty & WAC

On a glorious summer’s evening, I took my seat at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre for a performance of ‘The Gangs of New York’. 

Based on Herbert Astbury’s novel set amongst the clashing communities of 19^th century Manhattan, this new adaptation for Storyhouse was written by Kieran Lynn and directed by John Young. 

‘The Gangs of New York’ tells the story of penniless Irish immigrant turned prize fighter John Morrisey (Oisin Thompson) who is determined to make a life for himself in a neighbourhood known as the Bowery, taking on William Poole, known as Bill The Butcher (James Sheldon) and his gang of Nativists as he strives to reach his goal of living the American dream.

Poole and his thugs rule the neighbourhood with a rod of iron and a hatred of the Irish immigrants who are flooding into their city.

Will Morrisey beat Poole and build a life for himself in the so called land of the free and home of the brave?

Themes of violence and corruption are central to the story with many parallels being drawn to current political issues including a mis-guided fear of immigration.

Bribery is the order of the day as politicians change sides depending on who can keep them in power, all set against a backdrop of the escalating, increasingly violent and personal turf war between Morrisey and Poole.

Morrisey becomes increasingly ruthless, his ambition unbridled as he tries to gain the upper hand.

Morrisey’s struggle to make it in the U.S. ultimately takes him all the way to high office, but at what cost?

‘The Gangs of New York’ is a colourful, dynamic production with a talented cast of actor-musicians and some excellent foot-tapping original music by Me+Deboe which underpins the story and adds greatly to the overall feel of the production.

Alongside the central characters, there is a strong supporting cast with Robert Maskell’s deliberately Trump-like politician Fernando Wood and underdog Lew Baker played by Lucas Button amongst my favourites.

Lucas Button appeared to be channeling Ralf Little as the hapless and bumbling but well-meaning NY police officer as he tries to keep his gang paymasters happy whilst also attempting to maintain law and order. 

Alongside the darker themes explored, there are lots of moments of humour and well-honed interactions with the audience, all of which added greatly to the production.

The audience took being soaked in beer in good spirits and the cast coped brilliantly with some audience members who decided that they couldn’t wait until the interval or the end of the play for a loo break.

Feisty Irish immigrant, Maggie’s quick-witted handling of one such couple who got in her way as she stormed off stage during one scene was a joy to behold, bravo to actor Hanora Kamen for not missing a beat!

The expertly choreographed boxing match was another such highlight.

I did feel for stage crew member Alec Stokes, though, who had to mop up copious amounts of stage blood during the interval.

‘The Gangs of New York’ is one of the best productions I’ve seen at GPOAT.

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew and creative team.

I can’t wait to see what Storyhouse have in-store for us next year.

We are, indeed, blessed with a vibrant arts scene in Chester with several excellent theatre companies providing a variety of productions.

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre has become a well established highlight of the cultural life of the city.

Long may it continue.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐