McQueen, Theatre Royal Haymarket ****

I went into this production with next to no expectations. I had no knowledge of the fashion designer Alexander McQueen, of whom this play is based around, and, whilst I was vaguely aware of the mediocre reviews both at St. James' theatre and at the Haymarket, it was only on a whim that I purchased a day seat for this. It is a total surprise, therefore, to have such a mesmerising theatrical experience. This play attempts to get inside the head of this fashion designer in order to capture such a hectic and crazy life into two hours and fifteen minutes of theatre through the device of taking a stalker on a night out in London. It captures an eerie and deep truth of the human brain in a sensory experience that is well considered. The idea of beauty and it's supernatural qualities are conveyed ingeniously through the ensemble dancers whilst the discussion on mental illness does not feel exploitative and is judged well. I feel that a better production of this could be made as the LED screens are off-putting and whilst the discussions of beauty are good, there needs to be more of it on stage. However, Stephen Wight's Lee is impressive in his wit and complexity whilst his supporting cast are great so small production qualms I have can be overlooked for an innovative play that goes beyond the biopic I expected.