Writer: Henry Naylor
Director: Darren Lee Cole
Monstering the Rocketman is a one-act, solo show telling the true story of The Sun vs Elton John. Set during the 80’s AIDS crisis, The Sun falsely accuses Elton John of “sordid rent boy sex sessions”. What follows is a year-long campaign of media harassment against the Rocketman, who fights back with a whopping multi-million-pound lawsuit.
It’s an interesting story. However, even if the audience is unaware of these events, we know Elton John remains a national treasure, so we know how the story ends. This, along with the underworked script, means the show lacks any drama or tension. It feels more like an anecdote shared over a pint than a theatrical evening.
Henry Naylor, who also wrote the play, performs the show with charm. The role jumps back and forth between numerous characters, which Naylor handles with clarity if not embodiment. The script allows for little emotional range, so the overall performance feels quite one-note, and any moments that could have been emotionally impactful aren’t fully realised.
Darren Lee Cole’s direction is generally clear but underwhelming. The show lacks shape or a point of view, and Naylor needs directorial support to create an emotionally affecting performance. The staging does use all points of the space and ensures audience members on the three sides of The Arcola are not left without contact for long.
There is a noticeable absence of sound design, which could have brought energy and shape to the piece.
The aim of the costuming is unclear. An untucked business shirt and trainers imply that the central journalist character is frazzled, but this is not clear in the show, so we’re left wondering if it is a creative choice or a frazzled actor. Lighting is considered, helping the story shift through time and space.
The use of projected headlines and articles from old Sun news clippings is a highlight. The projection of some particularly heinous, homophobic clippings is the most impactful moment, hitting home the point that the rest of the play is trying to achieve.
Monstering the Rocketman centres a worthy story and makes some interesting parallels. Unfortunately, it may be more of a story for the written word rather than for the stage. Or else this show needs a big rework to make the impact it wants to.
Runs until 21 February 2026
