The Exorcist Review

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Even if you’re not a fan of horror movies, the chances are that you’ve been living under a rock if you’ve never heard of The Exorcist.

In December 1973, record numbers of audiences filled cinema screens to watch the cult horror classic. Of course it wasn’t a cult classic back then, but it had gained a reputation for being a shocker! Reports began to emerge of movie goers fainting, vomiting and fleeing cinemas in fear. Here in Britain, local councils banned screenings and horror fans had to travel on planned “Exorcist bus trips” to find cinemas still allowing it to be shown.

Written by William Peter Blatty and based on a true story, it’s one of the highest grossing films of all time. So it’s no surprise that The Exorcist has joined a whole host of other horror classics in being brought to the stage by Bill Kenwright and the Classic Screen To Stage Theatre Company, in a new live experience to frighten and shock the theatre world. The current tour has stopped off at The Regent Theatre in Hanley, direct from West End. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been looking forward to it, as whilst I love a good fright night, I never get to watch anything from the horror genre these days. My wife is easily spooked and will not sit through a horror film. And I have three children so when I do get TV time, it’s usually spent watching the best that CBeebies has to offer. So did it have the desired effect? Or have we hardened up to the horror genre these days?

The production tells the story of 12 year old girl Regan (Susannah Edgley), daughter to the famous American actress Chris MacNeil (Sophie Ward). Whilst playing with a ouijji board she found in her creaky old house, she is possessed by a demonic spirit who exploits her innocence and vulnerability for his own evil gains.

As medical science fails to explain her increasingly violent, sexual and disturbing behaviour, out of desperation, her mother turns to Father Damien Karras (Ben Caplan) – a psychiatrist priest who is also struggling with his own faith after recently losing his mother. On realising that dealing with this demon is well above his level of expertise, he calls upon Father Merrin (Paul Nicholas) for help as they desperately attempt an exorcism on young Regan – can they save her and banish the evil demon?

The atmosphere is tense from the beginning and the stage itself is set perfectly for what’s about to come. The clever design of the set and use of special effects are simply excellent.

The production is most definitely deserving of its 18+ certificate with plenty of uncomfortable and gory moments filled with sexualised content, crude language and some rather graphic scenes. I would say that it takes more reference from the book whilst also staying true to the movie and the expectations of fans of the film.

Die hard fans of the original movie may be disappointed that certain key scenes from the movie are overlooked. However special effects are a key element of the show, and without spoiling parts of the show for you, I can say that plenty of smoke and sound effects are used to ensure that what we do see is delivered with maximum effect.

Edgley brings a believable performance as she transitions from the sweet and innocent young girl into a the foul mouthed pathological demon. Lip syncing to the voice of Ian McKellan as the Demon, and making the physical gestures to match can’t be easy, but she nailed it. Ward also delivers a stellar turn as Regan’s mother who is desperate to save her little girl. It was a truly believable performance. Tristram Wymark who plays eccentric and alcoholic film director Burke Dennis adds some humour to the show, providing some light relief from the horror at times. Ian McKellan was an interesting choice for the voice of the demon as it was very different to what I expected. Ben Caplan was also great as Father Karras, displaying the torn beliefs of the character with ease. As for Paul Nicholas as Father Merrin? He was good, but it’s hard to say wether a performance is believable or not when the character is performing something as unbelievable as an exorcism.

Set designer Anna Fleischle commented on the opportunity to turn the Exorcist into a stage production: “The thing unique to theatre is that you are in the same room together at the same time as the story is unfolding live in front of your eyes.” 

It was this that struck me most about the Exorcist on stage. I’ve seen the movie a few times and seeing it on stage was a totally different experience, and I felt like I was watching it for the first time again. Seeing all of these things happen to a young girl right in front of me, gave it a more cutting edge that I didn’t expect.

I would definitely say that we have hardened up to the horror & thriller genre. Over the years books and films have pushed the boundaries to the point that we’ve seen it all now, and it’s definitely harder to shock us. But there’s still that part of us that loves to be frightened. The sweaty palms, the feelings that result from the rapid production of adrenaline and dopamine in our bodies and our natural fight or flight reaction is the reason we put ourselves through a good horror story. The Exorcist on stage achieves this to a certain degree, but I wouldn’t quite call it a shocker. The darkness, and waiting for the loud bangs, slamming doors and other “jumpy” moments is what gave this show its scare factor.

To sum it up, it’s sufficiently shocking and thoroughly entertaining. But it’s the anticipation that will kill you.

My Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

See below for a teaser of what to expect.

The Exorcist will be showing at The Regent Theatre in Hanley until Sunday 5th October. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atgtickets.com or by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 08448 717649.

Please note this production contains adult material and scenes of a sexual nature, which may shock and offend, and also flashing and strobe lighting.