By the time David Suchet utters his first line onstage during ‘The Last Confession’, his deep theatrical voice delivering crisp diction and razor sharp dialogue, we’re already deeply immersed in the world of the Vatican – Suchet’s life as Hercule Poirot is far from our minds.
It begins the moment you enter His Majesty’s Theatre, choral music plays quietly in the background in the lobby, and more loudly in the rest room. As you take your seat the set is exposed a combination of stone work, arches and alters, when the lights come up we’re enveloped in the secret world of The Vatican.
Roger Crane’s debut play is no small production, with dozens of actors, a rapidly changing set that is regularly reconfigured to create a myriad of locations and an environment the immerses you with sounds and smells, this is a a big show.
The action centres around the final days of Pope Paul VI in 1978 and following his death, the papal conclave and the election of his successor. Suchet plays manipulative Cardinal Giovanni Benelli who works behind the scenes to ensure that a more liberal thinking man is named as the next pope. He finds the perfect candidate in his friend Albino Luciani, who assumes the name John Paul I.
The new Pope plans to sweep a brush a reform through the Vatican and make significant changes to it;s structure, and it’s staffing. Before the changes can be enacted though the new Pope’s reign comes to an untimely end. Just 33 days after his appointment, the Pope is found dead in his bedroom.
The play is not a whodunnit? It’s a intricate and clever look at politics and power struggles. While Benelli was successful in bring about the appointment of a liberal pope one time, can the move be repeated again? The investigation into suspicions that the Pope’s death may not have been from natural causes reveals a moral quandary, as even the suggestion of foul play bring about serious ramifications for the organisation.
Suchet is flawless in his role, his classically trained voice and superb acting ability takes us on an emotional roller-coaster as we discover what it’s like to balance ambition, doubt and dreams. Appearing aside Suchet is a collection of wonderful actors, many of them well known names, faces and voices. It’s a pity that the publicity for this show focuses so much on it’s wonderful leading man, because the whole cast are a talented bunch.
Richard O’Callaghan is charming as John Paul I, and delivers some brilliant one-liners, punctuating the serious political tale with moments of comedy and empathy. Philip Craig, one of those great character actors who is instantly recognisable – but you just quite can’t place where you’ve seen him before, appears opposite Suchet as another priest hearing his confession. Craig has gravitas and is able to easily stand next to the well know actor and hold his own.
While we may never know what happened to John Paul I, this play allows us to walk away from the theatre with a deep insight into politics that could easily be transferred to a political party, any office or sporting club. We see the Machiavellian maneuvers people will employ but also appreciate their motivations.
The Last Confession is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre Until August 16th before touring nationally.
Graeme Watson
