The musical comedy Here Comes J Edgar!, created by comedy royalty Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold, premieres at London's King's Head theatre, exploring the relationship between FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and his protege Clyde Tolson. The show, decades in the making, began as a radio piece in the 1990s.
A Queering of FBI History
The production tackles the long-debated question of Hoover's sexuality, answering with a resounding affirmation. It portrays Tolson (Hugo Bolton) as Hoover's closeted lover, hidden under the guise of protege and fellow law enforcement agent. Bryan Batt, known for Mad Men, plays Hoover with exuberance.
The plot follows an ailing Hoover on his deathbed, guided through a Christmas Carol-style reckoning as his life is re-enacted as a Broadway musical. Chorus line numbers and songs both parody and celebrate the musical theatre form.
Satire and Darkness
Directed by Josh Seymour, the show balances irony, camp, and sharp satire. Hoover is portrayed as an anti-hero, with his darker side unvarnished: blackmailing presidents, digging dirt on Martin Luther King, his relationship with Walter Winchell (Marc Elliott), friendship with Joseph McCarthy, crackdown on communists, and stamping out homosexuality in American society.
The comedy has a Mel Brooks zing, but genuine human anguish emerges, especially in the love story between Hoover and Tolson. Their first encounter in a toilet brings comedic romance, with songs like Once Upon a Face and I'll Never Miss Him. Repressed desire also surfaces through Hoover's secretary, Helen (Lucy O'Byrne), who delivers the riotous number Helen's Blues.
West End Ambitions
At times, the show feels too big for the fringe venue, with its parody of show tunes and chorus lines. A character jokes that the second half is not as good as the first, and there is some truth to it. However, the musical offers a ridiculously fun ride with entertaining, outre, and imaginative set-pieces. It has clear West End ambitions, and with some polishing, it deserves to be there.
The production runs at King's Head theatre, London, until 16 August.
