UK Theatre Network

Set in the deep southern state of Georgia, PARADE is a powerful and moving piece of work by Jason Robert Brown about the true-life story of the conviction of a Jewish factory manager, Leo Frank, for the alleged rape and murder of a young girl who worked in his factory.

From the beginning of his time living in Georgia, Frank (Alastair Brookshaw) never felt comfortable or felt he fitted in with its people or customs. He yearns to be back home in NY. Even the Jewish folk in Georgia behave differently he feels. This set-up of the society against the Jew is the theme that permeates the action of the story to it's tragic end. Anti-Semitism was as rife in the deep south at the time as was the struggle for race equality.

There is no circumstancial evidence strong enough to convict either Frank or Newt, an old factory worker they also question; but the local Governor has got to pin this on someone - the people are demanding it.

They say of Newt - 'let him go...hanging another nigga ain't enough this time. We gotta do better' and so Frank gets convicted of the crime.

Laura Pitt-Pulford as Lucille Frank, Leo's wife, has all the warmth, dignity and passion required for the role. Determined to stick by her husband, knowing his innocence, she is totally committed to securing his release. An excellent actress who brilliantly embodies the emotional heart of the story to the end; two of her solos 'You Don't Know This Man' and 'Do It Alone' being especially memorable. As husband and wife they work extremely well together. The culmination of their relationship in the final prison scene and their emotional rendition of 'All the Wasted Time' is particularly moving.

Alastair Brook establishes Franks' work - obsessed, clinical, nervous character from the outset and he grows on us as the story unfolds. The God he prays to in vain for a reason why he has been placed in this position does not come through for him in this lifetime but, interestingly enough, this case proved to be the catalyst for the birth of the Jewish Civil Rights Movement in the US.

Alongside the leads, the whole cast give committed, energetic performances, but a special mention must be given to Terry Doe, who really does shine with all the charisma and quality of a musical theatre star in the making as Riley in 'A Rumblin' and a Rollin'' (ably supported by the excellent Abiona Omonua as Minnie, the Franks' servant), and later as Jim Conley in the chain gang with 'Blues: Feel the rain fall'.

This is truly an outstanding show with a strong score, fine cast and slick production values and should be on anyone's current theatre - going list.

Southwark Playhouse until September 17

Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, book by Alfred Uhry

Management:Danielle Tarento, in association with Joe Fredericks and Southwark Playhouse

Cast:Alastair Brookshaw, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Simon Bailey, Mark Inscoe, Kelly Agbowu, Jessica Bastick-Vines, Michael Cotton, Terry Doe, Natalie Green, David Haydn, Abiona Omonua, Philip Rham, Samantha Seager, Victoria Serra, Samuel J Weir

Director:Thom Southerland

Design:John Risebero

Sound:Theo Holloway

Lighting:Howard Hudson

Musical direction:Michael Bradley

www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk