The Invisible Man @ Northern Stage

 

A deep dark look into the conflict between societal norms and the human psyche, this is powerful, immersive theatre at its best.

Forget the Ian McCallum, Claude Rains or the recent Elizabeth Moss movies, this version concentrates the viewer towards questioning “can you be invisible in plain sight?” and "if you could be invisible, what would you do?".

With the ever present social media, news broadcasts, agencies and digital surveillance, it is nigh on impossible not to leave a footprint, yet there are many people who are still overlooked to the point of them feeling invisible.  This production tells the story of Griffen ( Daniel Watson) a troubled young man from the North East with violent thoughts and a chequered past who,  following his claims that he can make things invisible, is referred to a local psychiatrist, Dr Kemp (Kate Louise Okello) for evaluation.  Kemp, a media doctor, is intrigued by his claims, and whilst at first she is very sceptical she begins to understand that Griffen’s belief is so absolute that there must be something more than pure fantasy.

Challenged to explore his past and a tragic event for which Griffen blames himself, the audience is drawn deeper into his world.  This is not a sci-fi story, there is no mad professor or spooky lab, instead, and perhaps more frightening, we live for the most part in Griffen’s head as he slowly unravels; caught between wanting to be seen but desperate to disappear.  The similarity of his life with that of Dr Kemp's begins to create a kindred affinity between doctor and patient, slowly blurring the lines.  As she continues to be drawn closer, we find Dr Kemp ending up in front of a medical disciplinary panel.  Has she helped Griffen to finally become invisible, or has, by shining a spotlight in him ha she removed any hope he had of not 'being seen'.

With all other parts being played by Izzy Ions and Jack Fairley (who also provide the soundscape live on stage), this is a totally immersive experience which flew through the 90 minute running time.

A wonderful example of how brilliant writing (Phillip Correia) and really focussed Directing (Anna Girvan) can have a lasting impact on an audience, long after the final scene.

Northern Stage performance details and ticket information can be found here - https://www.northernstage.co.uk/event/the-invisible-man 

Tour information, including details of Durham Gala and Barndard Castle Witham can be found here - https://www.list.co.uk/event/1774299-the-invisible-man/