Reviews from Jen Henry

Here I am , in the thick of it,  haggis for breakfast, so many shows to see, does life get much better?
Below are the first wave of reviews from Wed 17th and Thurs 18th.
A mixed bag so far, but that in itself is also a learning curve, in finding good shows, and getting recommendations from others before going to see any old thing. Happy hunting everyone!

Bane - Pleasance
This was Bane 2, second in a trilogy of shows. Each show is its own self contained story.
Jo Bone delivers a one man show (with guitarist accompaniment) and has won many awards for this work over a number of years. (including holding the Guinness World Record for the most characters performed by one actor in a show). Bruce Bane is the anti hero in the film nor parody. Along the way we meet countless characters, evil kingpins, henchmen, crowds in the street, doctors and secretaries and a cat! Fanatically and slickly performed with expert timing, Jo is a great performer who holds the audiences attention every step of the way.
Suitability for rural touring? - Whilst this would make a good evenings entertainment (using 2 Bane tales of the trilogy) it remains at one level of energy, so audience's may wish for more variety in an evening.

Hey Piano Bar Lady - Henderson's
A Cabaret performance by New Zealander, Linn Lorkin, telling the story of her life and career in 70's and 80's New York as a Jazz pianist and piano bar player. The performance is a mix of anecdotes and original songs to tell her life story. Although Linn has obviously led an interesting life, and is a good piano bar singer and player, and the performance fell quiet flat and was repetitive, often delivering more rambling thoughts than a story.
Suitability for rural touring? - would fit in small venues (just one lady and a piano) but there was not enough content to keep an audience engaged. 

The Games - Zoo Roxy
Liverpool's Spike Theatre burst into the festival with  an ‘undiscovered’ Aristophanes comedy – the show tells the story of three Greek nobodies caught up in a celestial bet between Zeus, Hera and Hercules, set in the ancient Olympics. The show uses music, physical theatre and brilliantly timed comedy. Its already getting 5/5 reviews. Its an hilarious farce and backed up with solid story. There were people leaving the venue after the show and immediately calling up friends to tell them to get tickets to see it, that's a very good sign!
Suitability for rural touring? - Although described as a PG rated show, there is comic nudity and some close to the bone gags, which may not be right for a family audience . Adults and older families would be ideal (there were some 13/14 year olds watching when I saw who loved it). It would be good if you have a fun loving venue with a very good sense of humour. Its a very well put together piece and would be an ideal antidote to an overdose of Olympic Games in 2012. Highly reccomended!