The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Show reviews
    • Interviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Cannes
      • Sundance London
      • Venice
      • London
  • Music
    • Live music
    • Album reviews
    • Interviews
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
    • Fringe
    • Vault Festival
    • Interviews
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Interviews
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join the team
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

Culture Theatre

Bones at Park Theatre

Bones at Park Theatre | Theatre review
11th July 2023
Avatar photo
Jonathan Marshall
Avatar
Jonathan Marshall
11 July 2023

Theatre review

Jonathan Marshall

Bones

★★★★★

Dates

5th July - 22nd July 2023

Price

£15-£25

Even in this age of acceptance, awareness and inclusion, men still struggle to vocalise their feelings when it comes to mental health. There is still the misguided mindset of what it is to “be a man” and an embedded belief that to be anxious or depressed is weak. The pertinent issue of male mental health is at the heart of Bones – a 70-minute piece of physical theatre that has been crafted in collaboration with the Rugby charity LooseHeadz.

Sport and theatre are not obvious companions. Recent successes such as Red Pitch at the Bush and the current Gareth Southgate drama Dear England at the National have proved the two marry well in exploring the concept of masculinity. Bones tackles this subject matter on the rugby pitch. Ed (Ronan Cullen) takes the physical injuries endured in the sport in his stride, but when it comes to unseen ailments he is at a loss as to what to do. Feeling pressured to “man up” and be strong, Ed struggles to process his mental health issues while saving face amongst his teammates. 

In just over an hour, we are presented with an adrenaline-fuelled physical spectacle. With precise choreography and impressive physicality employed by the cast of four, audiences are gifted a true visual feast. This is, however, to the detriment of story. As much as we want to invest ourselves into the character of Ed, we are prevented from ever getting close enough to truly care.

The subject matter of mental health is incredibly significant given the staggering numbers of males who take their own lives. It is commendable that writer Lewis Aaron Wood casts a spotlight on this important topic and the cast all invest a great deal into their performances. Further character development and a more advanced plot would undoubtedly enhance the production, which, in its current form, feels more like a blueprint for a much greater, richer play. The committed cast elevate proceedings and the production feels urgent and timely – but unfortunately fails to leave the lasting impression a play of this nature deserves.

★★★★★

Jonathan Marshall
Images: Charles Flint

Bones is at Park Theatre from 5th until 22nd July 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

 

Related ItemsBonespark theatrereviewtheatre

More in Theatre

A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic

★★★★★
Sarah Bradbury
Read More

Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen at Bush Theatre

★★★★★
Jonathan Marshall
Read More

Wishmas

★★★★★
Selina Begum
Read More

Thank You for the Music at Adelphi Theatre

★★★★★
Michael Higgs
Read More

The Mongol Khan at the London Coliseum

★★★★★
Will Snell
Read More

“It honours the spirit and qualities of the film, but the stage show has its own energy and aesthetic”: Ami Okumura Jones on My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Theatre

Cristiana Ferrauti
Read More

Flip! at Soho Theatre

★★★★★
Madison Sotos
Read More

Radio GaGa at Adelphi Theatre

★★★★★
Michael Higgs
Read More

Treason the Musical at Alexandra Palace Theatre

★★★★★
Violet Cannon
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap

Theatre review

Jonathan Marshall

Bones

★★★★★

Dates

5th July - 22nd July 2023

Price

£15-£25

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • The top 12 books to read this winter
    Fashion & Lifestyle
  • Cian Ducrot at Hammersmith Apollo
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Wishmas
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec at the Royal Academy of Arts
    ★★★★★
    Art
  • Eileen
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen at Bush Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Girl
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • The top 12 books to read this winter
    Fashion & Lifestyle
  • A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen at Bush Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Girl
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec at the Royal Academy of Arts
    ★★★★★
    Art
  • Cian Ducrot at Hammersmith Apollo
    ★★★★★
    Live music
The Upcoming
  • Contact us
  • Join the team
  • Subscribe to the mailing list
  • Support us
  • Writing for The Upcoming

Copyright © 2011-2023 FL Media