Peter Shaffer’s play Equus is a disturbing and dark story about a young man’s obsession? fascination? worship? even of horses. Apparently based on a true crime about a young man blinding six horses, in the play Peter Shaffer sets about discovering why someone would commit such a crime. The setting is a psychiatrist’s office and the story is brought to us through the sessions he holds with the young man, Alan Strang.

This London revival recieved a LOT of press and attention when it first opened mainly due to Mr Daniel Radcliffe, AKA, Harry Potter. Ordinarily a teenager starring in a play wouldn’t attract such controversial coverage but the role required not only nudity but certain scenes which might seem inappropriate for a young man of 17 on stage. But hey these were not the only reasons that Jenny and I went along to see the play although I must admit it was something when the scene (finally) played out.

Daniel couldn’t have chosen a more distinctive and opposite role to the so far nice guy straight role of Harry Potter. Alan Strang is at all times a troubled character and Daniel did very well to deliver the correct level of angst and distress required. Richard Griffiths (also from Harry Potter) plays opposite Daniel as his pyshiatrist and was a good balance and counter-point to the darkness of Daniel’s character, though I think at times he did waffle on a bit. The other characters were fairly minor though each contributed in their own way to the story.

One of the aspects of the play that I was impressed with was the representation of the horses. The way the “horses” moved around and their grace had you almost believing there were horses on stage. With large metal heads and giant hooves the effect was stunning. The lighting and smoke effects also helped.

There is no doubt that having Daniel Radcliffe star in this play continues to help pull people through the door every night but it is the story and delivery that keeps the audience enthralled until the end. Although the cynics may say it is the anticipation of the nude scene which keeps the audience tied to their seats …