Johnson Over Jordan

Synopsis

Described by Priestley as an "adventure of the theatre", Johnson Over Jordan is a journey through the past and present life of Robert Johnson, recently deceased. In order to reach the Inn at the End of the World and begin his final voyage, Robert must first negotiate not only the bureaucracy of the Central Offices of Universal Assurance and Global Loan and Finance Corporation but also the bright lights, strong drink and beautiful girls at the Jungle Hot Spot night club. Johnson Over Jordan is an ambitious, dreamlike piece of theatre and, ultimately, a deeply moving account of a very ordinary man's life.

Our Review:

13 September 2001

Rarely before has a series of plays been so hyped, nor so eagerly anticipated, as the JB Priestley season at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. This all started months ago. And never has this theatre had such a buzz about it on entering the doors.

So, where to start in the re-evaluation of Priestley's collection of work? The ever-popular An Inspector Calls? No. In a moment of what would appear to be sheer madness, the work chosen to kick off the season by director Jude Kelly and her "Priestley: The Next Generation" cohort Patrick Stewart is what was, in its day, Priestley's most ill-received play.

Miraculously, Johnson Over Jordan, considered by contemporaries to be the writer's most spectacular flop, has been turned today into the most spectacular of productions.

As the audience enters the auditorium, there lies Stewart, as Robert Johnson, atop his deathbed, his family gathered to say their fond farewells. Then, as the video projection ...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 20 September 2001:

Cannot believe Dave Windlass has given this unmitigated disaster 5 stars. I have not been so bored by a production in the last 12 months and can think of noting good to say about it. The costume design is a mess, the performances competant but not outstanding, the direction and pacing is dire (the nightclub scene was excruciating), the set design really hinders the action (I longed to throw the bricks at the designer!) the music unremarkable and again works against the play and the use of sythesized voices was a very bad decision. Do yourself a big favour and miss this - go to the excellent Dangerous Corner at the same theatre instead....

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