Theatre Review: Withnail and I at the Birmingham Rep

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2024 Production of Withnail and I at the Birmingham Rep*

In 1987, the low-budget cutting comedy Withnail and I was released. It was based loosely on writer Bruce Robinson’s own experiences as a struggling actor and was Richard E Grant’s debut film role as the titular Withnail, accompanied by Paul McGann as the more mysterious Marwood – the “I” in Withnail and I. Now it has been adapted for the stage, but will those hardcore fans that can quote every memorable line be satisfied? And do you really need to know the film to appreciate it fully?

A Brummie Home and Abroad confession: I’ve NEVER seen Withnail and I. So I approached Press Night eager to find out what I’d been missing out on.

We’ve gone on holiday by mistake

Withnail and I follows the story of two unemployed actors embarking on a weekend road trip to Cumbria. They need to get away from London, from their squalid Camden flat and their drug dealer Danny. Uncle Monty’s holiday cottage is the perfect location. Hoping for a little rest and recuperation, the trip doesn’t quite go as planned. There’s ghastly weather, unwelcoming locals and unwanted sexual advances.

Robert Sheehan is perfect in the role of flamboyant Withnail, with a penchant for booze and drugs. He strides comfortably around the stage, throwing himself to the floor dramatically, pausing for intellectual monologues. Adonis Siddique is much more contemplative as the anxious Marwood, and much more sympathetic than the pompous Withnail.

It’s not easy to follow in the footsteps of Grant and McGann, but Sheehan and Siddique are both excellent. They bring their screen counterparts to life onstage with realism and believability, whilst still putting their own stamp on the characters.

Malcolm Sinclair as the deliciously camp Uncle Monty steals the show, particularly as his obsession with Marwood grows. It’s a role that could easily be exaggerated but Sinclair is tragic and heartfelt. Adam Young’s wild-eyed Danny was also an audience favourite, brandishing his “Camberwell Carrot” and spouting conspiracy theories. And the appearance of an old Jaguar, transporting the two up north, had it’s own moment in the spotlight, to cheers from the crowd.

There’s always time for a drink

Witty profanities and crude language are sprinkled with aplomb. This is not a play for the fainthearted. Alcoholism and addiction looms large. There is apparently a drinking game which goes along with the movie – an attempt to match the character’s on-screen drinking. This is not recommended if you value your liver.

Its a tale of friendship and of growing up, avoiding adulthood and responsibility for as long as possible. The soundtrack and clever staging convey a sense of the era. It’s the end of the Summer of Love and the start of a challenging decade of poverty and unemployment. The lead characters are impossibly self-centred yet you can’t help root for the hapless duo.

The impressive sets perfectly conjure up the grit and grime of London, and the rural isolation of the English countryside. The lighting, video projections and sound design add flair, and a period appropriate soundtrack is performed live by an onstage band. The musicians double up in minor roles throughout the show; keep an eye out for Sooz Kempner, whose biting wit and political impersonations have long kept me amused on Twitter/X. She fronts the band and has a cracking voice.

Flowers are essentially tarts. Prostitutes for the bees

This is Sean Foley’s final production as Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director, after co-writing and directing successful West End transfers premiering at the Rep, including Spitting Image The Musical and The Way Old Friends Do. Original writer Robinson has been heavily involved in this stage adaptation, and this is evident as the show is crafted with precision and passion.

From a newcomer to the source material, I enjoyed the production without having to view it through the critical lens of a dedicated fan. I can see how other shows have been greatly influenced by Withnail and I – in particular Rik Mayall & Ade Edmondson’s Bottom. Withnail and I with violence. Those familiar with the infinitely quotable lines seemed to be in heaven, mumbling the script word-for-word and guffawing in anticipation. An entertaining hit for all I think.

Don’t go on holiday by mistake – book tickets to see this show! Withnail and I is at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 25th May 2024 – you can book your tickets here.

Photo Credits: Manuel Harlan

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.