REVIEW: God, The Devil and Me by Fionnuala Donnelly at Drayton Arms Theatre 24-28 June 2025
'some clever writing with funny lines throughout ... and a chance to support an important cause' ★★★
Three in one makes… a trinity. Gabe (Noah Edmondson) is a typical teenager. Or is he an angel? This is what is being resolved in the first act of God, The Devil, and Me. A cleverly unfolding story, it opens with a baby-faced, surprisingly agreeable, devil (Campbell Maddox) in red vest and top hat, inviting a sweary God (Neo Jelfs), reluctant to participate, to join in the fun. That fun is helping Gabe, an asocial retro-teen (he listens to ‘80s music - on vinyl), understand his past and believe in his destiny.
This God has swaggering confidence, is easily annoyed, and arrives in modern chic glory with a white suit and white top hat. He is only mildly bothered by religious jokes, of which there are many in this piece. Sam (Miranda McEwen) is a friend who’s disliked by both God and the Devil, and she tries to get Gabe to come out and get to know other people, while his mother (Fionnuala Donnelly, also the writer and director) is truly confused how to help.
This is some clever writing with funny lines throughout, though also self-deprecating, as God (the character) demands better writing; I’m not sure it always lands as much as pulls us out of the story. Taking on one of the most important topics for young people today, mental health, the comedy aspects can take away from the gravity of the situation (there is one canned laughter scene that goes from funny to confusing to slightly irritating), but also allows levity in what would otherwise be very dark matter indeed.
What is lovely is the sense of hope for Gabe and teens like him delivered without being overly didactic about it. The tone of the second act alters quite drastically, and the female cast are given more of a starring role as the “support” team: friend, mother, new friend (Angel Johnson) (a new trinity?). With a young production company providing both a fun playlist as part of the show, and a chance to support an important cause (Young Minds), this is a piece that gives hope for the future of theatre.
Written by Fionnuala Donnelly
Performed by Campbell Maddox, Neo Jelfs, Noah Edmondson, Miranda McEwen, Fionnuala Donnelly, Angel Johnson
Directed by Fionnuala Donnelly
Lead Producer: Fionnuala Donnelly
Producer: Neo Jelfs, Noah Edmondson
