Tom Jones

Romps and Revelations

Tom Jones

by Henry Fielding, adapted by Joan MacAlpine

Questors Productions at The Judi Dench Playhouse, Ealing until 1^st June

Review by Heather Moulson

It is 1749 and anything goes – well almost anything.  Tom Jones is a witty, bawdy and poignant comedy production of Joan MacAlpine’s adaptation of Henry Fielding’s mammoth novel of life in those times.  It is directed with innovation by Lucy Aley-Parker, who successfully takes up an ambitious project.   Accompanied by classical music, it is so full in pace and drama, and with a side of merriment, that its two and a half hours run, although initially appeared daunting on a hot afternoon were swiftly swept away.

The atmospheric and deceptively simple set is authentic to its period.  Farce-like, it has many doors, and a map of the South of England as flooring.   Robyn Backhouse’s sound design is well timed and haunting, and John Green’s lighting is ideally sensitive to the many romps and revelations to come.

Aleksei Toshev’s Tom Jones is likeable, engaging and charmingly hapless.   Sparring with the repellent rival Blifil, played by Ben Connaughton, and the brutal Thwackum by Jolyon Houghton, and treated with compassion by Alex Marker’s Squire Allworthy, he sets up the picture for a romping story.

Tom falls for the charismatic Molly, the gamekeeper’s daughter, who swears he took her virtue.  As we learn, although Tom is resistant to pleasures of the flesh in principle, he quickly gives in to his urges – many times.   Molly is played by Hannah Victory in a great performance, as a provocative and cunning wench.   However, Tom then realises he how much he loves the virtuous daughter of the neighbouring Squire Western, Sophia.   Ella Jackson is charmingly convincing as the dewy-eyed heroine, Sophia.   Mark Redrup as Squire Western is gauche, overbearing and simply hilarious.

Act Two gives in to farce and we are ready to let rip.   Set in an Upton inn, the overworked maid, Susan, as played by Sophie George, reaches just the right pitch of frustration.   As she tried to wash the floor, there are numerous door slammings, jealous husbands and runaway daughters in the dead of night.  Not to mention Tom Jones’ foiled attempts to bed the siren Mrs Jenny Walters, played sensually by Chloe Jones.   Captain Fitzpatrick, in Oscar Gill’s portrayal offers a menacing presence, but with a true sense of comedy.   The deceptively sparse set houses misunderstandings and hasty footsteps beautifully, and all is superbly done by the cast.   Meanwhile poor Susan, despite monetary gain, is left starved of love and we feel with her in her frustration.

Real pace is gained in the third act, where Tom is in London enjoying afternoon visits with the vibrant Mrs Fitzpatrick, played beautifully by Alexandra Upton.  Tom has gained wealth although the reason isn’t overly clear.  Reunited with Sophia, Tom declares his love.  The rebuffed Mrs Fitzpatrick, smarting at this turn of events, reveals Tom’s identity to her jealous husband.   Sophia meanwhile is accosted by the Lord Fellamar, engagingly played with true humour by Omar Aga.   The dastardly Captain Fitzpatrick pulls a sword out in the street on Tom Jones, leading to an effective fight scene with tragic consequences, and the detestable Blifil gets to work corrupting well-intentioned witnesses.

Things look grim for Tom in the prison cell awaiting his death sentence, even with the unrelenting support of Mrs Jenny Waters, who herself has a secret.  The truth emerge at an impressive pace, and events and parentages are quickly and wittily revealed.

Unfortunately, Blifil’s projection does not always reach far enough, and the gruesome twosome Thwackum and Blifil lose opportunities to be even funnier.  Although Tom Jones is engaging, it is hard to understand why all these stunning women would fall for him, but surely however, his wholesome charm and consistent pace could be the magnet.

Tom Jones is a visually attractive production and Carla Evans as costume designer produces stunning and authentic costumes that seem so apt and appear to be tailor-made for every character.

It is a meaty piece, hot and spicy and served with plenty of sauce.  Get in on the fun!

Heather Moulson, May 2024

Photography courtesy of Questors