Redcliffe at Southwark Playhouse

Bustling with queer pride, upbeat songs, and stellar writing, Redcliffe – a new musical by the extraordinarily capable Jordan Luke Gage – is a resounding success. The show turns the execution of William Critchard (Gage himself) and Richard Arnold (Daniel Krikler) for the so-called “detestable crime of buggery” in 1753 into an unequivocally contemporary musical, reminding the audience at the conclusion that to this day, same-sex relationships are punishable by death in twelve countries.

The plot treads familiar territory: shy William works as a footman in the city and is under pressure from his mother (Rebecca Lock) to find and marry a girl. While staying home over Christmas, he meets Richard, a Navy Lieutenant currently docked near Bristol, and they promptly fall for each other. While making love on Christmas night, they are spotted by local pub owner Baber (Adrian Hansel). William is arrested and, after several months of investigation during which Richard is also caught, condemned to death – an all-too-common tragedy to befall many homosexual couples throughout history.

The production by director Paul Foster features a set design by Andrew Exeter, making best use of the square stage of Southwark Playhouse; small crates and a wooden bench are shifted around for various functions, while the costumes by Martin Hanly seem vaguely period and hint at the poverty so prevalent in Redcliffe without committing to a particular historical setting.

Featuring no fewer than 21 songs, Luke Gage’s skills as a songwriter are also put on display. From hilarious numbers such as The Most Amazing Wedding and A Pint of Four to the wonderful meet-cute song A Million Things I Know to the devastating My Man, there is plenty to admire, and they are all performed expertly – from Gage’s sensitive and soft voice to Krikler’s instant warmth, from Lock’s powerful energy to Jess Douglas-Welsh’s (who convincingly portrays Abigail, William’s sister) excellent comedic timing and heartfelt voice.

Redcliffe is an outstanding debut musical – an impressive feat for Jordan Luke Gage, who wrote the book, lyrics, and music on his own. While there are a few minor quibbles regarding pacing – with the second half slowing down considerably and Richard disappearing for most of it – these hardly detract from what is otherwise a must-see, and a reminder of the dangers the queer community faces to this day.