Andy Howells reviews National Theatre Wales touring production of the musical Feral Monster by Bethan Marlow at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre
National Theatre Wales latest touring presentation Feral Monster may be the story of a somewhat unremarkable teen called Jax. But as Izzy Rabey’s immersive direction of Bethan Marlow’s excitable and frequently volatile script reveals, there is something of Jax we all recognise from our formative selves whatever paths our lives may have taken.
Expelled from school and struggling to find a job at a local chippy, teenager Jax is living with their Nan in a ‘tiny, boring’ Welsh village. An amalgamation of many teenagers past, present and future, we emotionally identify with our protagonist as she/they/whatever navigates through the complexities of love, sexuality, identity, and family.
Cast members physically project opinions and thoughts as neurons and axons singing in Jax’ head allowing a running commentary for every emotion, feeling, and thought Jax encounters as the story unfolds. These emotions are brought to a head when Jax meets Ffion. The result is a chemical reaction of middle-class and working-class queerness, breaking down stereotypes and fusing the pair together in a reaction of combustible lust.
Challenging perceptions on LGBTQIA+ stereotypes, Feral Monster is a musical knitted together with a soundtrack that brilliantly weaves Bethan Marlow’s lyrics with Nicola T Chang’s grime, R&B, soul, pop and rap earworm mashups performed by Alex Comana.
Cara Evans multi-layered playground /bus shelter set is both adaptable and effective, especially when working with Marty Langthorne’s silhouetted lighting and utilised for Osian Meilir’s slick cast movements.
The depiction of Jax and Ffion’s relationship is honestly portrayed. Excitement and discovery of a new union is quickly followed by tested loyalties and questioning for their relationship to survive. The course of true love (or lust for that matter) is not straightforward as we’d like to think. This is acted out beautifully by Rebecca Hayes as the excitable Jax and Lily Beau as the all-knowing Ffion.
While Feral Monster spotlights on Jax, Bethan Marlow’s script also features a strong support of cleverly constructed and beautifully performed characters.
Carys Eleri oozes with passion and realism every moment she inhabits the stage as Nan, a warm, caring and straight to the point character you’d want in your corner when times are hard.
Meanwhile, Leila Navabi gives an unforgettable portrayal as Cuz, whose raw emotional state and mental health issues accelerate in frustration and anger as the story develops. It soon becomes apparent that there is more going on in her life than just a breakdown in the relationship with Jax. It is impossible not to feel some empathy as Cuz vents frustrations on her beloved bike, but it is Cuz’ symbolic outcome that impacts and challenges us to open our eyes.
Both Geraint Rhys Edwards and Nathaniel Leacock effectively display dark sides of their respective characterisations of Dad and Sam. It’s also a joy to see both actors get lighter moments within other personas in the presentation.
Feral Monster encourages us to see more clearly and listen harder – theatre at its most challenging and best.
With an age recommendation of 14+ Feral Monster continues at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre until Saturday February 24 before going on tour. For full details visit National Theatre Wales website.