Faygele | Marylebone Theatre

Fay-ge-le/feigala/noun. (Origin - Yiddish) meaning “little bird”, but has historically been used as a derogatory term to describe a gay or effeminate man.

From the very first words uttered by the show’s lead character - Ari Freed (Ilan Galkoff) - the audience is introduced to the hard-hitting themes of this show. Ari is 18 years old. Ari is different. Different from the Jewish Orthodox family of 13 and the community who raised him. And Ari knows that. Faygele from the get-go sets up the premise that ‘some words bind us, and some set us free.’ But we come to discover that those words are not always what we wish them to be. Faygele is a story of survival, in any way one may be able to do so, in the battle between self-acceptance and faith, whatever that may mean.

Faygele is cleverly structured and written by Shimmy Braun, as it begins at the end of the story. A risk, perhaps, to have the audience immediately find out what happens to Ari and his family, but an altogether interesting one. The audience is immediately hooked and somehow becomes emotionally attached to young Ari, a kind of empathy we come to find is altogether unfamiliar to the boy. The writing is shocking, particularly when it comes to his father’s discourse (Ben Caplan), and yet still at times manages to bring a sense of kindness and humour.

Caplan’s performance was altogether chilling. The power afforded to every single syllable, spoken with the most horrific intentions possible, is simply brilliant. Not to mention the nuances that he brings to the character, which left the audience in a limbo between visceral rage and a kind of empathy, if that really is the right word. Every word has a meaning, and Caplan has made sure to make that unequivocally clear.

Another standout performance was delivered by Andrew Paul as Rabbi Lev. His character plays a pivotal role in Ari’s life, as the only real continuous source of comfort. Despite his religious position in the community, Rabbi Lev makes an effort to love, understand, and yes, respect Ari. Paul’s performance provides a source of comedy for the audience and yet, just as Caplan did, manages to provide a nuanced approach to the character.

One issue this reviewer has found with the show is merely its timing. As pointed out by other audience members, this show paints a dark light on the Jewish faith, and of religion in general really. But in a world where anti-Semitism is becoming increasingly prominent, is this really the best time to be projecting such an image?

That being said, Faygele is a story that resonates far beyond its Yiddish roots, confronting identity, faith, and the words that define us—whether they confine or liberate. With bold storytelling and deeply human performances, it invites the audience into a world where survival means more than just existing; it means being seen. Braun’s script, brought to life by a standout cast, doesn’t just tell Ari’s story—it demands that we listen. And in doing so, Faygele leaves us questioning not only the words we use, but the lives they touch.

Faygele runs at Marylebone Theatre until 31st May 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jane Hobson