Review: THE COLLECTOR, The Vaults, 4 August 2016

The Collector was originally published in 1963 and was the debut novel of John Fowles. After successfully crossing over on to the big screen, numerous stage adaptations followed, the latest being Mark Healy's production at The Vaults.

Frederick Clegg (Daniel Portman) is a butterfly collector - an odd character who is painfully alone, when a lottery win gives him the unexpected opportunity he always dreamt of: collecting the girl he's obsessed with. Unsuspecting Miranda (Lily Loveless) is an art student, completely oblivious to the fact that she is stalked daily by Frederick until he captures her and places her in the basement of a new cottage he's purchased especially for the occasion, just outside London. Thus begins a battle of wits - Miranda is determined to stay alive, while Frederick hopes he can make her fall in love with him in the limited time he has.

While in Fowles' novel, Frederick is a terrifying character, eventually destroying the thing he loves most in the world, Portman's portrayal makes the audience feel sympathy for him and his obvious social awkwardness. He only captures Miranda as he's convinced in the real world she would have nothing to do with him, something she absolutely refutes. And although there are scenes that show his more sinister side, I still couldn't help but feel pity for him. Lily Loveless is superb in her role, easily switching from a terrified student to a young woman determined to break free of her prison and live the life she so loves.

The underground setting of The Vaults in Waterloo is perfect for this drama. Given that most of the play takes place underground in the cellar where Miranda is held captive, the rumbling of trains from Waterloo station overhead make it even more atmospheric, adding to the tension and uncertainty. Both Portman and Loveless effortlessly raise their voices to compensate for the added noise and although in previous productions I've missed out on key lines due to the trains, these two have perfected the art.

This is a gripping and intriguing production. Although a little on the lengthy side, it does hold its audience captive throughout.

Photo Credit: Scott Rylander