NEVERWHERE
at Robinson Secondary School

Reviewed on May 8, 2015

Madelene Whitfield
Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Everyone is familiar with the landmarks of London: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge. But little do we know that the London we recognize is only a half-truth, and that beneath the feet of normal people such as ourselves sits a wild, magical world known as "London Below." Robinson Secondary School's production of "Neverwhere" thrusts its audience into this new realm head-first, delivering an enthralling, stunning performance unlike any other.

"Neverwhere," based on a 1996 Neil Gaiman novel and television series of the same name, was first brought to the stage in 2010 at the Lifeline Theater in Chicago. Equal parts breathtaking and frightening, hilarious and suspenseful, the show tells the tale of Richard Mayhew, a respectable, typical young man with a respectable, typical life, who is suddenly dragged into a perilous, supernatural adventure after he happens upon a peculiar woman, called the Lady Door, lying deliriously on a sidewalk covered in blood.

One of the greatest strengths of Robinson's production was the vibrant, strong energy that exuded from everyone on the stage, whether a leading role or a member of the ensemble. In such a long show (clocking in at approximately three hours) it could have been easy to lose momentum, but this cast never did, maintaining their hold over the crowd from the second the lights went down all the way until curtain-call.

Leading actor Matthew Ross gave a truly spectacular performance as Richard, displaying extremely powerful acting skills. From the get-go, he gave his character the perfect mix of strong moral fiber and endearing befuddlement, capturing the affection of the audience immediately. We watched throughout the show as the character blossomed, reaching new levels of courage and self-understanding. Ross handled the story's emotional layers beautifully, especially in a heart-stopping scene in which, to help his new-found friends, his character fights against a formidable, magical hallucination that attempts to convince him to commit suicide. Ross also maintained a very impressive Scottish accent throughout, which can often be quite difficult for a young actor.

Rachel Ingle, meanwhile, was properly mysterious as the Lady Door, constantly giving off an air of magic. Although her character was more subtle, as compared to many of the eccentric figures around her, her talent was certainly memorable.

Other stand-outs included Garrett Christian and Alex Bulova as the sadistic assassin duo Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, as well as Matthew Cook as the arrogant, yet ultimately good-hearted Marquis de Carabas. All three actors added some wonderful comic relief to the play, while also keeping up unforgettable, distinct characters. Christian and Bulova also played off of each other perfectly, with Christian as the brains of their operation and Bulova as the brawn.

The technical aspects of "Neverwhere" were also impeccable. As the first thing one saw when walking into the theater, the gorgeous student-made set, replicating the London underground, instantly set an impressive tone for the entire production. The costumes were also absolutely magnificent, and served to highlight the differences between "London Above" and "London Below" by contrasting a bland, gray-scale palette with a vivid, disorderly one. Lastly, the special effects, while occasionally slightly overpowering, were among the best that any high school has to offer, including unique surround-sound music and evocative lighting.

Robinson Secondary School's production of "Neverwhere" was extraordinary. The cast and crew took the audience on a journey that kept them constantly at the edge of their seats, completely transfixed. It was as though we had been taken down into "London Below" alongside the characters, and we never wanted to leave.

Scott Burrows
West Springfield High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Plunge into the fantastic world of London Below in Robinson High School's production of Neverwhere. An exciting, funny story about a man, Richard Mayhew, who helps a mysterious girl, Door, who is being hunted by assassins. He gets pulled into the mystical world under the city of London. He suddenly finds that after she leaves, that no one can see him and he gets trapped in the underground. He tries to find Door or anyone who could help him, when he finally meets up with her. They go on an adventure to try and find who killed Door's family and figure out how to get Richard home.

The play's cast does a phenomenal job of keeping up energy throughout a long but thoroughly entertaining performance. Matthew Ross who plays Richard Mayhew does a fantastic job showing the growth of the character. He also has the added bonus of having a Scottish accent, which he pulls off beautifully. It is so believable that by the end of the show you couldn't imagine him without it. Door is played by Racheal Ingle. She shines as a loveable friend and helper to Richard. She also has a regular British accent that sounds normal from the moment you hear it. The two of them have a chemistry that really makes the show work. They are backed up by the hilarious ensemble of characters: The witty companion and helper of Door, the Marquis de Carabas, (Matthew Cook) whose hilarious antics shine; as well as the assassins who try to kill Door. They provide great foils to each other one, smart and sophisticated (Mr. Croup played by Garret Christian); the other, brutish and angry (Mr. Vandemar played by Alex Bulova). What also shines is the ensemble. They are so engaged, being totally involved in a scene whether it was making a market place feel alive, or a wall in one of the most suspense full scenes in the show.

The most amazing part of it all though is the technical aspects of the show, with professional levels of lights as well as techno music composed by students specifically for their amazing fight scenes. Which had stunning choreography. Also the mood and feelings of the show were most enhanced by their professional level lighting. As well as a beautifully detailed as well as impressively multi-functional set. One of the best parts in my opinion were the fantastic costumes that helped with the whole steam punk look. There was also great subtlety, to distinguish the colorful free nature of London Below and the boring, average grey world of London Above.

This was a mind-blowing show. With some of the most intense action scenes and mind blowing twists that I've ever seen in a high school show. It is worth going jus for those, but the added tech and awesome performances make this one of the best plays of the year.

Lydia Gompper
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Everyone is familiar with the landmarks of London: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge. But little do we know that the London we recognize is only a half-truth, and that beneath the feet of normal people such as ourselves sits a wild, magical world known as "London Below." Robinson Secondary School's production of "Neverwhere" thrusts its audience into this new realm head-first, delivering an enthralling, stunning performance unlike any other.

"Neverwhere," based on a 1996 Neil Gaiman novel and television series of the same name, was first brought to the stage in 2010 at the Lifeline Theater in Chicago. Equal parts breathtaking and frightening, hilarious and suspenseful, the show tells the tale of Richard Mayhew, a respectable, typical young man with a respectable, typical life, who is suddenly dragged into a perilous, supernatural adventure after he happens upon a peculiar woman, called the Lady Door, laying deliriously on a sidewalk covered in blood.

One of the greatest strengths of Robinson's production was the vibrant, strong energy that exuded from everyone on the stage, whether a leading role or a member of the ensemble. In such a long show (clocking in at approximately three hours) it could have been easy to lose momentum, but this cast never did, maintaining their hold over the crowd from the second the lights went down all the way until curtain-call.

Leading actor Matthew Ross gave a truly spectacular performance as Richard, displaying extremely powerful acting skills. From the get-go, he gave his character the perfect mix of strong moral fiber and endearing befuddlement, capturing the affection of the audience immediately. We watched throughout the show as the character blossomed, reaching new levels of courage and self-understanding. Ross handled the story's emotional layers beautifully, especially in a heart-stopping scene in which, to help his new-found friends, his character fights against a formidable, magical hallucination that attempts to convince him to commit suicide. Ross also maintained a very impressive Scottish accent throughout, which can often be quite difficult for a young actor.

Rachel Ingle, meanwhile, was properly mysterious as the Lady Door, constantly giving off an air of magic. Although her character was more subtle, as compared to many of the eccentric figures around her, her talent was certainly memorable.

Other stand-outs included Garrett Christian and Alex Bulova as the sadistic assassin duo Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, as well as Matthew Cook as the arrogant, yet ultimately good-hearted Marquis de Carabas. All three actors added some wonderful comic relief to the play, while also keeping up unforgetable, distinct characters. Christian and Bulova also played off of each other perfectly, with Christian as the brains of their operation and Bulova as the brawn.

The technical aspects of "Neverwhere" were also impeccable. As the first thing one saw when walking into the theater, the gorgeous student-made set, replicating the London underground, instantly set an impressive tone for the entire production. The costumes were also absolutely magnificent, and served to highlight the differences between "London Above" and "London Below" by contrasting a bland, gray-scale palette with a vivid, disorderly one. Lastly, the special effects, while occasionally slightly overpowering, were among the best that any high school has to offer, including unique surround-sound music and evocative lighting.

Robinson Secondary School's production of "Neverwhere" was extraordinary. The cast and crew took the audience on a journey that kept them constantly at the edge of their seats, completely transfixed. It was as though we had been taken down into "London Below" alongside the characters, and we never wanted to leave.

Brent Pizzamiglio
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

‘Neverwhere' is a fantastic production drafted in lieu of the novel written by Neil Gaiman. Robinson Secondary School's adaptation of this play was absolutely exquisite. This performance exceeds any high standards I originally took high school theater to attain. Clearly, so much effect and determination went into the creation of this play and the three main highlights that sold me to love this production were the set, the lights, and role of Mr. Vandemar.

The set was beyond fantastic. Honestly, the whole set really appeared to belong to a professional theater company and I am exceedingly impressed that the entire creation of it was by student hands! Not only did the set visually appear phenomenal, but it gave a whole understanding to the ‘lower London' realm. As an audience member, you felt as if you were traversing the sewage drains in the lower London. Furthermore, the actors were able to make complete use of it as well. Actions would climb the set, be transported through doors, and overall, it created a fluid path for every actor.

The lights, in addition, were genius, I do say. I had never seen lights contribute so effectively to to the production. For example, when Richard was having his nightmares, the lights were centered on him and would rotate with alternating patterns and colors. This concept was truly awesome and further imprinted the message that Richard is having a terrible dream. However, the best part about the lighting, is it never ceased to amaze me. Having strobe lights during Richard's ordeal to distract the audience and allow a new character to appear on stage was one of the best misdirections I have seen in a theater production.

Finally, I would love to touch on the actor who played Mr. Vandemar, Alex Bulova. His comedic role was near perfect. His accent was genuine, his facial expressions were priceless and his actions especially were hysterical! I had laughed at almost every line he performed and the character choices he made for the role could not have been any better. With him in the production, the show was full of intensity, fear, and a great amount of laughter as well.

Roberta Benjamin
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Connection

What if there existed a world, at the end of the alleys, in the sewers, in every shadow, and every lost or gotton place. Neverwhere based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. The decisions to aid a mysterious dying girl named Door, changes Richard Mayhew's life forever. He plummets from his mundane life as a businessman and soon to be husband, into another world existing underneath London. Richard journeys through the "London Below" meeting monsters and angels, outrunning villainous assassins, searching for the killers of Doors family, and all the while trying to figure out how or if he can return to his ordinary life in the London Above. Richard Mayhew and those who fallen from the gaps of society carry the audience through this steampunk Alice in Wonderland-esque world, in a long epic, that seems like only a few seconds.

Most profound are the technological aspects of Robinson's Neverwhere. A intercrit set consisting of grey, grime, pipes, doors, and bridges woven together to resemble a savagely dystopia immediately caught the eye of the audience. Though only one piece, the set seemed to be ever-changing as small pieces were sliced in, doors were open, and different levels were used. The lighting with over seven hundred cues also aided the set. Creative lights reflected underworldly magic. These technical aspects contrasted the bleak London above, and the dark, yet enticing below.

The other highlight of Robinson's show was its execution of Gaiman's black humor. The characters of Mr. Vandemar and the Marquis managed to be funny, sinister, and emotional. By playing characters, not caricatures Alex Bulova and Matthew Cook brought their roles Mr Vandemar and the Marquis de Carabas to life in a way that seemed realistic, rather than absurd. Ultimately, the entire show was able to make the fantasticality of Neverwhere seem genuine, a goal Gaiman strived to accomplish in his novel.
Go for a night. Slip between the cracks of this world. Find a world of passion and darkness. Go see Neverwhere at Robinson High school, but warning you may not wish to return.

Kim Daucher
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Taking place between the familiar London setting and the mysterious "London Underground", Robinson's Rambunctious Theatre Co. performed Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman. In the show, a man named Richard Mayhew from the "above London", finds his life completely altered when he meets the mysterious Lady Door, a resident of the underground half of London. The two go through great lengths to discover who and why Lady Door's family has been killed, meeting many people and traveling between the two worlds on a dangerous journey to find truth and themselves.

Matthew Ross portrayed the protagonist of Richard Mayhew, the man seeking to get back home and returning to his life before discovering Lady Door, played by Rachel Ingle. Ross and Ingle were "very invested in their roles" and truly brought their characters before the audience on stage. The two truly brought a chemistry and the audience could feel the bond forming between the two actors as the show continued. They worked creatively in showing a dynamic relationship with the Marquis, played by Matthew Cook. Cook performed the role and still managed to capture the audience's affection, even while playing a mysterious and slightly sketchy crook-like character.

The audience is introduced to many characters, all filled with passion, emotions, quirkiness and life. The show reveals who is chasing after the protagonists as Mr. Vandemar, played by Alex Bulova and Mr. Croup, played by Garrett Christian. The two created a comedic dynamic between their characters, each playing a foil to the other's character. The two actors characterized their characters through their body language and their voice control.

The ensemble in the show worked together to show the dynamic differences between the London Above and the London Underground. Through creative use of blocking and characterization, the ensembles pulled emphasis in certain scenes. Within a scene of the Ordeal, the ensemble created an intense and beautifully haunting moment on stage.

Among the acting, the crew worked incredibly to highlight certain aspects and created vivid images to the audience. "I'm in love with the set", said one critic. The set was phenomenally crafted, with accessible levels, doors, hidden paths and tunnels, the set crew truly crafted the London Underground for the audience. Light's did a spectacular job at tracing the actors and creating the mood for the places that the characters were in during a scene. The lights crew also was said to be "not just for highlighting, also for setting the tone" along with "framing out the sets and highlighting."

All in all, the crew worked cohesively with the cast, the two were able to work together in order to set the London Under and Above ground right before the audience's eyes. The cast and crew of Robinson's Rambunctious Theatre were truly able to bring Neil Gaiman's show, Neverwhere, to life.