‘The Code‘, now running at Southwark Playhouse Elephant reminds us that “Your plight might be someone’s salvation”.

In the Golden Age of showbiz it appears you had two options, you sell your true identity for a marketable and palatable image in return for a chance at fame, or you be yourself. You’d think the latter is simple, but we are proven otherwise in a Hollywood home designed glamorously by Billy Haines (John Partridge) accompanied by the legendary Tallulah Bankhead (Tracie Bennett). The drinks are flowing as the pair discuss their antics throughout their career, when Haines confesses he desires to move to New York to live freely with his same sex lover.

Power agent Henry Wilson (Nick Blakeley) arrives at the soirée with his latest pretty project Chad Manford (Solomon Davy) but what we see is the true ugliness of the industry regarding homosexuality and status in an explosive, gut wrenching scene.

The sixty minute play puts a spotlight on insecurity. Whether it’s your sexuality or how successful you are in the film industry, the way these complex characters respond to their insecurities is what makes this play so exciting. We see how the deflection of someone’s negative energy bleeds into others and therefore damages generations upon generations. But, we also witness a glimpse of hope. The show is loosely narrated by Bennett and leaves us all clutching our pearls in her final monologue, it emphasises the importance of being the change in a world where it feels like so many sit in silence.

Regarding the script, I think it’s tight and the scenes run seamlessly into each other. I will say that a lot of references and themes are for a mature audience. ‘The Code‘ is recommended for 14+ which I would say is accurate. The younger audience may not fully understand all that is discussed on stage however, they will come out moved and educated by the core plot line. The set is beautifully designed with true inspiration from old Hollywood homes, to help the audience feel like a fly on the wall into their world. The proscenium is framed with an abstract fragmented piece of art with worse for wear West Coast inspired paintings, nodding towards the rotting and shattered underbelly of the industry.

The cast truly compliment each other. Each character is in their own world, all with different agendas. The dynamic between Partridge and Bennett is electric, both naturally suave yet comically absurd at times. Blakely’s portrayal of Wilson had such depth that constantly kept the audience on their toes; while his protégé played by Davy breaks all of our hearts. This show truly is one of a kind and is with us till 11 October so see it while you can!

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