Dogstar by Daisy Hall and directed by Lucy Morrison. Is the second play by the playwright to be performed in Downstairs in Hamptead Theatre. Hall’s play Bellringers was performed here in November 2024.
Dogstar is set on a whaling ship that has become trapped in the ice while the crew from Exeter are out whale hunting. Ravaged with scurvy and freezing temperatures, not all of the crew have survived, and the captain has drunk himself into a state and will not leave his quarters.
Historically, there are records of some whaling vessels being used from Exeter ports in 1755, although it wasn’t a thriving local industry and didn’t continue for long.
The crew consists of the longest serving seaman Babben (Justin Edwards), whose seen it all over the years and is trying to keep things together. Sam (Abdul Jalloh) is the newest seaman and isn’t particularly confident at sea and believes “snitching” on his shipmates will earn him a promotion from the captain.
Lastly, we have the lovable rogue Gorey (Adam Rojka Vega), who has a sketchy past and will do what he needs to in order to survive. Right at this moment, he is keeping them warm with apparently “unwanted” parts of the ship to burn!
The storyline switches between two realms. Whether the supernatural world exists or the men are going stir crazy and seeing things is up to the audience to decide. At times, the play seemed to get itself confused and would benefit from some editing.
There’s plenty of humour throughout the 90 minutes, which is delivered perfectly predominantly from Gorey, whose attempts at times to entertain the other crew members are not well received. The cast of three brings the fear and despair of their unforseen situation to life very well.
A special mention has to go to sound director Anna Short. The ice cracking around the ship especially was incredibly effective.
For more information about Dogstar and future productions in the Downstairs at Hampstead Theatre, please use the link below.
Three Stars.
Photo credit Pamela Raith.
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