The sapphic version of a centuries old story is playing at the Park Theatre now
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGES BY CRAIG SUGDEN
“If you’re looking for a lesbian sub-story in a pre-existing film, it can feel like you’re searching for scraps,” Virginia Gay told us when explaining why she made her version of Cyrano sapphic. She’s right. Mainstream media, whether that’s film, TV or plays, rarely offers us a WLW story and when they do, they too often bury or cancel our gays. But with this new play, Virginia is inviting us to the table for a big, joyous celebratory meal.
Like the original French play, this version sees Cyrano de Bergerac fall in love with a woman named Roxanne (Jessica Whitehurst). Fearing they will never be loved back, Cyrano helps Yan (Joseph Evans), a beautiful but dim soldier, woo her. But where the Cyrano of old is a man with a massive nose holding back, this version gives us a woman, played here by Virginia herself, who is certain her beloved is straight.
It’s absolutely hilarious. From the get go, the audience is giggling up a storm. Little one liners about Cyrano’s (now imaginary) giant nose provide quick tickles to the ribs. Jokes are thrown out with an effortless ease and leaves you light-headed and with tired cheeks. The best lies in the show’s self-awareness. The script isn’t afraid to laugh at itself, at the ridiculous nature of its own plot. As Cyrano stands behind Yan, acting as his voice box, it’s impossible to believe that Roxanne hasn’t twigged that the great big hulk of a man speaks with a woman’s voice and without opening his mouth. This version knows that and makes sure everyone can laugh at that together.
And then, in the middle of all of these jokes, Virginia’s script suckerpunches you with the most beautiful soliloquies you’ve ever heard. There’s nothing to do but sit in awe and wonder how anyone could ever think words are boring when they can come together like this. As a writer, I’m jealous. As jealous of Virginia’s words as Cyrano is of Yan. How do I even begin to write sentences as beautiful? And how could Roxanne not love whomever says them?
Cyrano, of course, has assumed Roxanne could never love her because she is a woman. Her fancy words mean nothing because her body has failed her. It’s a story so well-known to the sapphic community and one that deserves unpicking. The play does a good job at giving it and the dreadful consequences of Cyrano’s catfishing of Roxanne the attention they deserve. It takes the time to be serious when it needs to be.
By the end, there is a sense you’ve felt every emotion in the book. It’s pure catharsis. The final scene takes place under a steady and delicate rain of glitter. As it washes over the stage, everything comes together in the most beautiful ending for a beautiful play.
Cyrano is at the Park Theatre until 11 January 2025. Tickets are available here.
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