There’s something captivating about the mythology of Old Hollywood – the glamour, the grit, and the untold stories hiding behind the glitz. In The King of Hollywood, writer and director Paul Stone tells the true story of one of Hollywood’s earliest legends. Gerardo Cabal brings Doug Fairbanks to life in this moving and funny (almost) one-man show, capturing the rise and fall of a figure who once ruled the silver screen. The intimate space of The White Bear Theatre sets the perfect stage for this character-driven drama, immersing us fully in the highs and lows of Tinseltown.
Cabal’s portrayal of Doug is engrossing, balancing the highs of Hollywood’s allure with the inevitable crash of ambition. He struts through the early scenes, basking in success, before slowly unravelling as the weight of Hollywood’s unforgiving nature bears down. Simon Lawrence also makes a subtle but memorable appearance, leaving the audience guessing until his role is fully revealed. It’s almost poetic, though, that while Douglas Fairbanks Jr. gets all the memory in popular culture, this play shines a light on the real Hollywood giant behind the name.
The play doesn’t just show the rise of a legend – it reveals the cost of holding the crown.
The King of Hollywood doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of fame – manipulation, ego, and the intoxicating allure of success. But what’s most striking is how the play pulls back the velvet curtain on the humanity underneath. There’s a particular scene between Doug and his former protégée that beautifully illustrates the heartbreak of someone who’s given everything to the dream, only to watch it crumble.
The King of Hollywood asks its audience to reckon with the price of ambition and what it means to be remembered. The play’s dialogue, sharp and often biting, cuts to the core of these characters’ fears and desires. And yet, amidst all the tension, there’s room for moments of humour, reminding us that even in the darkest times, Hollywood always finds a way to make you laugh – even if it’s through gritted teeth.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend The King of Hollywood? Yes. This production is fierce, intimate, and unapologetically raw in its portrayal of fame’s fragility. It challenges how we see power, legacy, and the fine line between success and ruin. In a fractured world, it reminds us of the simple, tragic truth: the higher you climb, the farther you fall.
Playing at the White Bear Theatre until 19 October 2024.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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