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Media watch: ‘Devils Let Loose?’ goes down a storm…
The local media proved to be great supporters of ‘Devils let loose?’. Local broadcasters and print media provided us with much valuable publicity prior to the performances. The involvement of the Bishop of Lincoln seemed to capture the imagination of those previewing the production. We are very grateful to the Bishop and his colleagues in the Diocese of Lincoln for the support they offered us.
In the reviews of the performances, the contributions of all members of the cast and the creative team were mentioned. The Lincoln Chronicle praised the ‘stunning re-enactment’ of the Lincoln riots. As Mike Lyon, the Chronicle’s reviewer noted, ‘Community plays are well named. Not only because they are performed by the members of the community but because, at their best, they evoke a real sense of connection with communities of the past. That same feeling of continuity, of bringing to life an episode of shared history, ran strongly through ‘Devils let loose?’’. As he concluded, ‘this was an unflinching look back at a dark chapter in Lincoln’s history and one which in the hands of all involved was brought memorably to light.’ (Lincoln Chronicle, 2/2/06)
Amy Woolford in the Lincolnshire Echo (27/1/06) also posted a positive review. She noted that ‘The play’s overriding success is its ability to recreate the high drama of the violent clashes between rioters and the police. But, largely due to a strong cast, it also shows the personal turmoil of those affected on both sides of the conflict. The pub scenes work well with a wealth of engaging performances, while the fire scene is a particular highlight – as is a youngsters’ street scene. A host of talents have been brought to bear in this production, from accomplished singers to dancers and spoons players.’
Outside Lincoln, the Market Rasen Mail put the production under the spotlight. Its headline declared ‘City’s dark past blown away in a classic play’ (1/2/06). The review noted that ‘Just as those who rose up against authority 95 years ago emerged victorious, so too those who rose up last week to present the rioters’ story triumphed. In a challenging portrayal of a shadowy chapter in Lincoln’s history, an epic cast … swept away the veil of secrecy surrounding the events of August 1911 with a triumphant flourish.’ This review praised the staging, the costumes and it paid especial attention to the music, singers and musicians.
Following the production, several news stories were printed in the Lincolnshire Echo prompted by the play and Pat Nurse’s book. The Echo reported on 31 January that the granddaughter of John Thomas Coleman expressed some disappointment at the way in which the chief constable had been portrayed in the play. Local historian Tony Gadd, who undertook much of the research for the book ‘Devils let loose’ was interviewed by the Echo on 31 January and declared that Alfred Clay’s gravestone was sadly neglected in St Swithin’s cemetery. A matter of days later, on 3 February, the Echo announced that ‘Riot hero Alfred’s headstone restored’.
In addition to the reviews referred to above, there were also pieces about the play in the following papers: Lincolnshire Echo, 11/1/06; 19/1/06; and the University of Lincoln’s Contact magazine, February 2006. If anyone has any other reports on the play, I’d be grateful if you could let me know.
Andrew Walker
Department of Humanities, University of Lincoln.
awalker@lincoln.ac.uk
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