This is an adaptation of Vladamir Nabokov’s highly controversial novel, in which Humbert Humbert a poetic and well educated man begins to lust after his landlord’s pre-teen young daughter, the ever mischievous and flirtatious, Lolita. Bearing in mind this comes from a book that is agonisingly detailed, it is always interesting to see how a director can translate this dark tale into a theatre production.
Victor Sobchak, then, does a solid job that pleases but rarely amazes despite taking the bold step to contemporise the tale into a modern setting. He adds some wonderful touches to the tale, one such highlight is a scene where Lolita and Humbert are skipping together using her jump rope. They press tightly and, as she holds the ropes handles, he stops and slowly pulls her closer. It’s an eerie scene that stays in your mind throughout.
Though Sobchak also makes a handful of sins. The contemporary setting is wasted as modern songs from artists like Marilyn Manson are incorporated into the story, doing little more than irritate, and one scene featuring a camp drama teacher betrays the novel’s dark subtle humour with something that bares a passing resemblance to a pantomime.
The acting is also a mixed bag; Mark Marlowe is excellent as the complex Humbert but needs to add in the likeability factor which is essential to the tale. Sadly Sophie Brooks does not impress as Lolita, missing the point by robbing the character of her manipulative charm.
This is an uneven production, but despite several failings still manages to deliver a chillingly intelligent look at forbidden love.
3/5
Martin Miller
