Redcliffe – Review

Redcliffe: Southwark Playhouse Borough, London

26th May 2026

★★★★

Having had a successful workshop performances, this new musical written and performed by Jordan Luke Gage is now playing at the Southwark Playhouse for a limited run. Set in 18th Century England, it is a story of forbidden love between local man William Critchard and a visiting sailor, Richard Arnold.

The fact that this is based upon a true story really helps bring the characters and the emotion alive and it’s hard to spot a dry eye by the end of the show. Jordan Luke Gage’s modern score should be at odds with the 18th century setting but it works seamlessly to bring the characters alive. There is a mixture of songs throughout the show with larger ensemble numbers, solos and duets helping to shape the story. The harmonies created by the ensemble during some of the scenes is also particularly impressive. There are a few moments with the Bristol accent does slip and moments where the band is slightly over powering making it hard to hear all of the lyrics but overall the score is performed with passion and emotion.

As well as writing the new musical, Jordan Luke Gage also stars as main character William. His character begins as a nervous, shy young man who seems trapped by his mother’s insistence that he find a young lady to court and wed. But by the end of the show he has rid his shame and found his confidence and happiness. The onstage relationship with Daniel Krikler, who plays Richard Arnold, is really believable and raw. Krikler’s vocals compliment Gage’s perfectly and the pair bounce off each other in the song ‘A Million Things I Know‘. Rebecca Lock is hilarious as William’s Mother. She manages to steal focus whenever she is onstage and quickly wins hearts. By the second act, her grief and anger is compelling to watch as the audience virtually hold their breath during her fantastic song ‘Hurricane‘. Jess Douglas-Welsh must also be mentioned as Abigail, William’s younger sister, who is also a joy to watch and whose character is far ahead of her time.

The production is set on a small wooden stage with only a few crates to distinguish between locations but it works well. The simplicity helps to focus on the characters and their emotions and allows for quick transitions with the actors leaving the stage via the auditorium. Lighting by Matt Hockley is used effectively to create drama and aid the action, particularly during the more tense moments. Martin Hanly’s costumes are a real highlight of the show. They are traditional clothing of the time yet modern with a twist, reminding the audience that this is a modern telling of an old story. The prints on the clothes match that of the surroundings and bring cohesion into the costumes allowing for each character to have their own unique style yet still be one.

As mentioned before, Redcliffe is based on a true story and the very final scene honours the two men, William Critchard and Richard Arnold. It also serves to remind the audience what life can be like for millions of people who are still hiding for fear of shame, abandonment and persecution. Being homosexual is still punishable by death in 12 countries and is illegal in many more. Things have moved on in the UK tremendously since the 18th century but the fear of persecution – whether from friends, family or society – still remains. This musical and many others like it stands to remember those who came before and to let their stories be heard. For anyone wanting to see an emotional, true and often funny new musical then Redcliffe is certainly hits the mark.

Redcliffe is playing until the 4th June 2026. For information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith