A fast paced comic full mask production that would work very well on rural circuits. The profile of the audience queuing for this virtually sold out show attested to this, being predominantly over fifty, quite unusual for a fringe crowd. Stylistically it was interesting and for that reason I would book it, though it wasn't challenging in content. Three male performers create at least twelve characters ( including a very convincing air hostess with stunning legs) with speed, skill and some super fast changes. Amusing and clever with an ingenious fold out set this would go down well. As ever the brevity of fringe shows might be an issue, the 'never mind the quality feel the width attitude' of some promoters can be a barrier to booking. Maybe the company could develop some kind of pre show hors d'oeuvre as a warm up/welcome act? For all ages over 7. Directed by Amanda Wilshire.
Theatre ad Infinitum in Translunar Paradise
Those of you who caught the one man Odyssey from this highly talented physical theatre company would have like me, been expecting something special. It was beautiful, moving lyrical and brilliantly performed by two actors and a musician - though actually the accordion itself needs mentioning as it was more a sound track than just an instrument. A tale of love, companionship and marriage as the old man comes to terms with the loss of his lifelong love, grieving and reliving moments of their time together. For me it was a trifle long (this seems churlish having just said that the previous show was too short!) and rather soporific in places. The actors each used a hand held mask to differentiate between old age and youth, so maybe seeing two mask pieces back to back was just bit too much. Winner of Argus Angel award
However as a total antidote, the next show Bane 1,2,3 was an intense manic verbal spectacular with one performer delivering a vocal and physical tour de force as anti hero hit man Bane. It was like watching a Hollywood crime thriller movie performed by a single actor with no set, and no lighting or costume changes (I know that sounds impossible). It was also funny and crude, grotesque in parts so although technically very doable for rural halls, probably not acceptable? However do see it if you can (it's a trilogy performed in any order, different one each day) and if you have a bold venue who can muster an open minded audience go for it. It's the sort of show that could whip up an audience via word of mouth on Facebook, I think it will generate cult status. The live score is provided by steel guitar from a seated musician with a hat pulled over his eyes on stage left, it adds a great extra dimension. age 16+?
Shock and Awe in Muscle
It's never a good idea to go to a show with high hopes (same for charity shops) as you stand to be disappointed. I knew a bit about the writer and the origins of this show and had heard good reports, so I persuaded friends to come along too, but found it a mixed bag. Some strong performances and excellent writing, but overall it was uneven both stylistically and in content. They tried to fit too much in and I would have preferred more of the physical interpretation and less words. Based on true stories and some verbatim passages, it was at times affecting and also funny, but didn't feel like it had quite got there yet. Ostensibly a look at men and maleness and how it is to be a man in the world today. I think this is a show that needs to be written, and Muscle has potential to be it, but it's not doing it for me right now. Awarded a Herald Angel. No web site.
Tim Crouch in I, Malvolio
Beautifully performed by the actor who wrote it, this man show looks at the absurd plot line of Twelfth Night from Malvolio's perspective. Personally I have Always felt that Malvolio gets a raw deal, whilst everyone is loved up and happy he is left to fester in undignified and squalid conditions, the others having had good laugh at his expense. This is a brave show which actively involves the audience, asking individuals to remove his socks, hold ropes and kick him, so pretty risky. The leopard print thong might prove somewhat risqué for prudish audiences, but he assures me he has leopard print y fronts as an alternative if f required! There are John Cleese - like tones in his delivery and it walks a line of inviting you to sympathise with his plight yet still laying himself open to ridicule. The audience have to ask themselves whose side they are on, the oppressed or the oppressor's? The ending is unusual too - leaving the audience without the opportunity to applaud the performer. The plot of Twelfth Night is revealed but a working knowledge of the play would really increase your enjoyment of this production. Simply staged with the whole auditorium lit this would work well for rural touring. Suit age 11+?
http://www.timcrouchtheatre.co.uk/
Cloud man
A beautifully crafted show with endearing puppet will be sure to fire young imaginations. The central character has spent her life searching for evidence of Cloudmen, eventually living in a shed on Cloud Mountain
Les Enfants Terribles in The Infant
Once again it serves me right as I had great expectations of this show as I loved their production Ernest and The Pale Moon two years ago. I found this indulgent and acted. A Pinter meets Orwell spoof about a police state, but at the end of it, I was left thinking 'so what'? I didn't care less about any of the characters. But there were those behind me in the audience saying it was excellent. Not for me.
Central Graduates in Sold
Contrastingly here was a very disturbing ensemble piece about human trafficking which left you wanting to go out and change things. Based on verbatim testimonies (like so much at the Fringe this year), strong performances from a young cast made you despair at the greed and inhumanity of human kind. From domestic servants sex trade, migrant agricultural workers and cocoa plantations, it's clear that human exploitation is global and slavery is alive and well; and with only one UK prosecution in 2004 it's not getting much political attention either.
One Thousand paper Cranes - Lu Kemp/Catherine Wheels
A touching and funny play about friendship and making your own fun and trying to make sense of the senseless. Sadako is ill, her hopes of winning the 600m on sports day are in jeopardy. Her friend and trainer Chiziko tries to jolly her up and to glean answers from non communicative hospital staff, but Sadako gets sicker. Set in Japan
No web site given.
Paper Birds in Thirsty
Excellent two hander with on stage musician/technician. This looks at our relationship to alcohol, and particularly the drinking habits of young women ('that's not the story we want to tell') . A combination of spoken word and movement, with a great set of three toilet cubicles. Funny, moving, disturbing it was really well performed. Rang far too many bells for my liking for my eighteen year old daughter seated next to me. Age 14+?
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