A DEVILISHLY GOOD TIME AT THE DEVIL MAY CARE

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.au ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

If you are after a night of wit, laughs and a touch of historical intrigue, The Devil May Care should be on your “to watch” list. Mark Giesser breathes fresh life into George Bernard Shaw’s The Devil’s Disciple, relocating the action to 1899 Philippines during the American-Philippine War. It’s a sharp, spirited tale of morality, societal norms, and a very unexpected hero.

The play is set in a small intimate theatre, where you are seated on the same level as the stage (I loved this choice), which creates a stronger sense of involvement. The cast breaks the fourth wall with cheeky grins and sly jabs, making you feel like an accomplice to their jokes and pulling you deeper into the story. Combined with the synchronised music and lighting, this enhances the actors’ emotions and urgency without overshadowing them, completely captivating you.

As the story unfolds, we meet our protagonist Richard, the notorious and dishonourable trader and self-declared Devil’s Disciple, who returns home after proudly exiling himself to a life without principles and social convention, much to his family’s distaste. By chance, Richard meets a well-respected English minister and his wife, Judith, who is thrown into the unexpected when her husband is charged with treason. Uncharacteristically, Richard takes on the heroic role and identifies himself as the minister to the army, pleading for his own execution, before Judith has the opportunity to set things straight. Now, I know what you are thinking: after Richard’s been proclaiming his life is like he has ‘a contract with the devil’ why would he sacrifice himself to protect a perfect stranger? Seems you’ll have to see the show to find out… are you hooked yet?

Even if you don’t know a lot about history (like me), Giesser modernises the story with such clarity and humour that it’s easy to understand and enjoy the show. The cast delivers the witty dialogue with impeccable timing and mannerisms, making it impossible not to laugh out loud.

In short, The Devil May Care is a theatrical gem that blends history, comedy, and a touch of the unexpected. Don’t miss it—you’ll leave grinning and wishing for more.

The Devil May Care is running at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 1 February.

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Photo Credit: Lidia Crisafulli