Fraternity. Brotherhood. Companionship. A college fraternity is a staple of American college movies but, apart from that, is little known here in the United Kingdom. But the reality of a frat party goes far beyond what we see in Adam Sandler films. One story, reportedly based on real life events, is shown in all its colours (of the pride flag) at the Tristan Bates Theatre in Hair of the Dog.
A very accomplished production.
Hair of the Dog has, as its writer, co-producer and lead actor Brady Lernihan. Brady forms a part of new breakout theatre company Snowflake Theatre. Premiered in 2018, and currently enjoying a short run in the centre of London, Brady has written a wonderful script because “I wanted to explore my own sexuality and masculinity in different relationships,” based on his experiences living in America.
Brady plays the role of Evan, who is the leader of the pack at the Fraternity group Iota Omega. This is their final formal and the students have come to Las Vegas to bow out in style. On the verge of leaving their student-selves behind Evan and the others face up to what their futures may hold in store for them, whilst simultaneously trying to enjoy one last drunken farewell. Brady does a truly amazing turn as Evan. We really believe he is questioning his own masculinity and neither versions of himself, which we get to see, feel overly fake or forced. He carries the show with both bravado and vulnerability and is able to show the grey areas in-between too. Joining the frat group is Evan’s on-off girlfriend Liz. Played by Emilie Finkielma, Liz tolerates the group’s unruly behaviour and sometimes joins in the fun, but really she just wants to get right to the core of Evan, as she feels he is holding back from her and is defensive about something. Emilie is very convincing as Liz. She is there to have fun but is far more concerned about Evan to really let loose. Occasionally the character came off as a bit of a sound-board for the boys rather than a solid, driving, decision-making character in her own right, but those moments were few and far between.
Also, in the frat pack we have the ever-smiling John, Rory Thomas-Howes in a charming performance. Although Rory was a delight to watch we have very little time to get to know him, or his back-story about handling college frat boy life as an openly gay man. Instead, the stage time is handed over to John’s date for the evening – the outsider to the group Brett. Nick Mauldin was absolutely terrific as Brett. Asking pointed questions to Evan and the others without appearing to be over-critical or condescending he struck just the right balance. When we really got to know him, later in the play, he too was able to show a deep vulnerability which fully rounded the character. Brady, as Evan, and Nick, Brett, (who both co-produced the show) were strong fleshed-out leads who were able to get the audience really rooting for them, even though both characters had very clear flaws. A solid performance from the two of them.
The antagonist of the story is Mike. Riley Marinelli is fascinating to watch as he tries to come to terms with his best friend unravelling before him. His final scene with Evan was very well written and performed by both actors, but sadly the character had few likeable features up until this point that it mattered little which direction the scene ended up going.
One more special mention must go to the ever-silent Frenchie. Ewens Abid knows exactly how to keep an audience entertained with just one look. Even his attempts to blow up a giant inflatable whale as the audience were taking their seats was very enjoyable to watch. And I want to know exactly where he got his amazing suit!
The rest of the cast (comprised of Stephen Kyem, Ethan Kelly, Paul David Surel, Sabrina Pui Yee Chin, Hanna Herno-Toftild) completed the line-up of boozy college partyers and were all wonderful additions and helped highlight the insecurities of Evan, so at-odds with the frat lifestyle he had helped build around him.
Zois Pigadas worked wonders directing this piece in the Tristan Bates Theatre, making the same stage easily show two separate spaces with a few alterations and was able to really bring out the emotional core of the play. The lighting design, by Zoe Zhang was nicely done, but she was able to really go-to-town for the Penthouse Scene.
This is the debut performance by Snowflake Theatre and it cannot be said that they don’t know how to make an impression. All, in all it was a very accomplished production. With a few tweaks and a bit more focus on some of the supporting characters this could be massive piece of work for the LGBT+ community and may really help those facing similar quandaries to Evan whilst at school or college. If the new generation are all a bunch of snowflakes then it is a generation I am proud to be a part of! On they are own they are all individual, beautiful and unique, yet bring them together and they can be very mighty indeed.
