AMUSING AND CHARMING, BUT LACKING THE STAR QUALITY NEEDED FOR A HISTORICAL MUSICAL

By Katie Shaw | @katieeshaaw ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold’s comedy musical Here Comes J Edgar! is a glorious romp that follows the life of longstanding FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The play explores Hoover’s speculative (or affirmative, according to this play) relationship with Clyde Tolson, his longtime deputy at the FBI. Spanning four Presidencies, the hunt of gangster John Dillinger and the premature spilling of secrets by gossip columnist Walter Winchell, Here Comes J Edgar! offers a unique interpretation of the man at the epicentre of America’s secrets and mysteries for over 40 years.

We first meet Hoover on his deathbed, where he is met by his younger self, where he exclaims: ‘You’re me, come back as a boy to show me my life… as a musical?’ And the same way that professional runners are set off with the shot of a starting pistol, these words mark the start of this 2 hour production; which, almost certainly, could be shorter.

Playwrights Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold are two great comedic writers and actors with epic careers, so it’s no surprise that this production landed with much laughter. It’s brimming with humour, toe-tapping music by the late Peter Matz, and fantastic performances all-round. It blends historical storytelling and music to bring the life of Hoover to centre stage in a uniquely entertaining way that is so unserious and exaggerated, yet peppered with well-researched historical anecdotes. The writing is intelligent and funny and allows for an amusing interpretation of the secret life of J. Edgar Hoover.

However, if you’re looking for a historically accurate play about the longstanding FBI Director, this production won’t fulfil that. Its focus is utterly narrowed on the relationship between Hoover and Tolson, and even when Hoover is in his office “working”, his mind – and sometimes his hands – are on Tolson. It avoids any sniff of a scandal that rocked Hoover during his 48 years as FBI Director, and lacks a clear message about who he truly was – but I suppose that’s the point here, to unravel his secrets, scene by scene…

Shearer and Leopold’s writing is upheld by the talent of the entire cast, who carry an infectious cheeky and charming energy, delighting the audience when the full ensemble are on stage.

Bryan Batt makes his London theatre debut as Hoover, embracing this flamboyant version of the FBI Director with such joy and pride. His musical chops are most impressive, too, so it was a real treat to see his theatrical roots shine on stage in solo and ensemble songs.

Hoover’s “lifetime assistant” is played by Hugo Bolton, who nails the uptight, needy nature of Tolson. Batt and Bolton’s stage dynamic is lighthearted and fun, although their chemistry is a little flimsy.

Laura Medforth is brilliant as Helen, Hoover’s longstanding secretary who also happens to be very in love with her boss. Helen unleashes her wild side to the FBI Director during one of the production’s more memorable numbers, which was well met with an eruption of whoops, cheers and laughter. Bravo, Medforth!

Honourable mention must go to Martha Pothen, who I was glad to see again after having watched her perform in Lovers Actually in December. She is an utterly memorable, brilliant talent and I hope to see more of her in future comedies!

Although this production is amusing and perfectly charming, I can’t say that it has the same star quality as a musical like Hamilton; another production that balances history and music. Although Matz’s score has a familiar, likeable, almost Disney charm to it, it lacks the formidable nature that the Hamilton and Les Mis scores boast. I also came away thinking that this production could have had slightly less musical numbers. There are some fantastic numbers in this production, but not all of them seemed to serve a purpose, nor feel particularly memorable. Oh well. You can’t win ‘em all.

Here Comes J Edgar! is running at King’s Head Theatre until Sunday 16 August.

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Photo Credit: Mark Douet