Play: The Two Popes

Anton Lesser and Nicholas Woodeson in The Two Popes at Rose Theatre, Kingston Upon Thames. Image: Amanda C Dickie

The London premiere of The Two Popes was staged at the Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames this week. Previously staged in 2019 at the Royal and Derngate theatre Northampton, Covid 19 ended a planned tour. Written by Anthony McCarten who also wrote the screenplay for the successful film, starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis, it explores the relationship between Pope Benedict and the then Cardinal Bergoglio and the Pope's resignation in 2013.

Whilst both Anton Lesser and Nicholas Woodeson are fine actors they are hampered by an inadequate script that seeks to gain easy laughs rather than delve into the serious subjects such as clerical abuse and financial scandal they raise.

There seems to be a woeful lack of research into Catholic sacramental practice - for example a plastic Madonna on the altar set up for Mass! No priest whether he be a cardinal or Pope would wander around during Confession, nor would a nun make a mockery of sacramental confession. A nun screwing up an altar cloth instead of carefully folding it is another of several irksome anachronisms.

There are moments between the protagonists that point to what the play could have been, mainly due to the excellent performance of Nicholas Woodeson as the Argentinian who lived simply, and was beloved by the poor. He had jobs as a nightclub bouncer, lab technician and cleaner before joining the Jesuits. As Pope he eschewed Papal grandeur and the lace and frippery and red Gucci shoes embraced by Benedict. Both Popes here reveal in imagined conversations and their mutual confessions tortuous self doubt about their past - Benedict's youth in Nazi Germany and Bergoglio's dealings with the Junta's oppressive regime. Both lament difficult issues facing the Church.

The former academic, Cardinal Ratzinger was a noted cat lover - he used to wander the streets of Rome when he was a Cardinal rescuing strays. Even after becoming Pope he tried to return incognito to his flat to feed the city's felines. Yet it appears that dogs are his interest from a TV programme he is obsessing over. He was a great friend of Pope John Paul II - he would never have criticised him as portrayed here, accusing him of theatrics - he admired him.

The use of projected digital images over the Proscenium arch to indicate changes of scene and scenery is most effective, especially the gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence.

All in all a bit of a curate's egg, good in parts!

Running time should be two hours and five minutes but on press night it overran, mainly due to a slow start. The opening was also overwhelmed by loud music obliterating Anton Lessers' musings.

The show runs until 23 September, before touring so has a chance to overcome some of its weaknesses. The invited audience seemed to love it and gave an enthusiastic curtain call. If I hadn't been so aware of the blatant Catholic inaccuracies in the production, doubtless the play would be more satisfying and I might have enjoyed the gentle humour more.

Benedict's resignation stunned the world and with rumours that Pope Francis may be considering such a step himself this production is well timed - however it doesn't quite hit the mark at present.

Until 23 September .Then touring including following venues: Cambridge Arts Theatre

27 September - 1 October; Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 4 - 8 October; Royal & Derngate, Northampton 11 - 15 October; Oxford Playhouse 18 - 22 October; Theatre Royal Bath 25-29 October

Further dates maybe added.

LINK

The Rose Theatre - https://rosetheatre.org/whats-on/the-two-popes