Dark thriller lays bare the deepest demons

EQUUS, Oldham Coliseum
Originally staged in 1973, Equus is a psychological thriller that explores the complex relationships between worship, myth and sexuality.

It was revived for the West End in 2007 with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe’s lead attracting media attention for his first stage role and a headline-grabbing flash of nudity.

Now, Peter Shaffer’s unique play gallops into Oldham with this touring production from the reliable London Classic Theatre company.

Based on a true story, it centres on the grim crime of 17-year-old Alan Strang who blinds six horses with a metal spike and is therefore, not unreasonably, sent to a secure psychiatric hospital.

The crux is why and child psychiatrist Martin Dysart is tasked with digging deep to discover the demons that drove Strang, who journeys from silent and uncooperative to reliving the events of that terrible night as the truth begins to emerge.

While the psycho-analysis might not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no doubting the play is a magnificent piece of theatre; unsettling, dynamic and creative.

It recreates elements from the award-winning original production, such as the wire mask clad actors as horses and the cast sitting around the stage, like the audience, in judgement of the action.

Kerry Bradley’s design is simple but effective; the horse heads are beautifully sculptured and the set shifts with changes of scene, while an overlooking window containing a cross surrounded by hay echoes the theme of religion and horses. The lighting creates a gloomy atmosphere — perhaps too dark at times. Matthew Pattimore is mesmerising as Strang; from the sullen silence to arrogance then fury of an awkward, disturbed teenager.

Malcolm James is equally compelling as Dysart and shifts too; from a calm, controlled figure to questioning his own existence and beliefs.

Aidan Downing and Jamie Matthewman also create a graceful, balletic, equine presence that convince as the horses.

It remains a thought-provoking study of spirituality and what can drive people to desperate acts.

Equus runs until Saturday.