Archive for category Bedlam Theatre
Hit Comet
Posted by Martin in Bedlam Theatre, Brett Herriot, Hit Comet on August 22, 2011
THEATRE**** Hit Comet
Bedlam Theatre
Hand Cannon return to the fringe with Hit Comet and makes for a hilarious hour of fun at the expense of the pop world.
The play set in an executive corner office looks at the argument over artistic freedom versus selling out to rake in the cash. When the manager demands a hit before Barry Manilow phones gives the 5 comedians involved in the production all the ammunition they need. The try with many a comedic twist to come up with a sure fire hit and end with nothing more than a mobile phone ringtone titled “love is my dipping sauce”.
The whole production is delivered in a very tongue and cheek way and really makes the audience think about the trash being churned out into the pop charts via the means of X factor and pop idol. Can you honestly recall a top ten hit from a winner of those programs other than Leona Lewis of course? The show builds towards a hilarious conclusion as the assemble staff members grab whatever instruments they can find including a double cello! Yes it’s the first I’ve seen of that too! And try to woo Mr Manilow with their song writing talents.
The great thing about the Bedlam fringe season is encapsulated in this production it’s a confirmed piece of fringe theatre with excellent observations on both life and musical leanings. Its well worth catching before the seasons ends.
Anton’s Uncles
Posted by Martin in Anton’s Uncles, Bedlam Theatre, Tony Challis on August 19, 2011
THEATRE
****
Anton’s Uncles
Bedlam Theatre
This is drama mixed with physical theatre, plus some dance and music, and is a take on a classic Russian drama. Do not let that put you off! You are very quickly caught up in a magical world, where four guys, (sort of plus two…) engage your attention completely, and make you feel at home in a comfortable past one moment, then stir you with the unexpected and surreal the next. Acting and movement is brilliantly precise and fluid. This show has great charm and simultaneously the sharpest of edges.
You become more aware of the urges of each individual, and the way that their apparent enjoyment of the present does not mean they are not dissatisfied with that. A gun appears and a shot is fired, and there is the shame of the attempted crime….. A woman is very important to the men, and women in the audience may feel the warmth of their affections…. It doesn’t matter if you do not know Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” – the man sitting next to me knew nothing of Chekhov, but said it was “all plain sailing.” But knowing the play will add some resonances.
The show is selling out, so grab a ticket if you can and be taken up into a delicious and deeply imagined world in the hands of a company of extremely able and assured actors.
Remember This
Posted by Martin in Bedlam Theatre, Brett Herriot, Remember This on August 13, 2011
THEATRE**** Remember This
Bedlam Theatre
It would seem that at this year’s festival that the setting of an attic is providing some the best moments of theatre. None more so that with Edinburgh University’s Theatre Companies production of remember this.
Written by Edinburgh University graduates Florence Vincent and Lizzie Bourne the play tells the intriguing and emotional story of Nick and Helen and Nick’s sister Isabell.
Nick and Helen are to all intents and purposes a normal couple looking back at the last ten years of their lives together. Beginning with Nick looking through some old slides of memories past. Memories are essentially at the core of the story as that is exactly what photographs are a memory locked in time forever; sadly life can’t be locked in time and must go on. We discover how the couple met, their first dates, their wedding day and starting a family together. It’s only with the introduction of Nick’s sister Isabella 20 minutes into the play that it dawned on me who exactly Helen was with in the context of the play. Daisy Badger gives a performance which is quite ethereal and beautiful to watch and she and Paul Brotherson character of Nick get to share a conversation which could have been but never happened and from Nick’s point of view should have been. It’s with Emma Friedman Cohen in the role of Isabell that brings the story to an emotional and heart rending conclusion that brought a tear to my eye.
My biggest praise of the production must go to Paul Brotherson as “Nick” his performance completely captivates and moves the audience with his honesty and emotional depth which despite him looking younger that the character should be makes it completely believable. I also have to say I agree with “Helen” he really does have a very nice bum too!
This is one piece of theatre with real heart, and deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible. Emotional, Honest and so very real, this is what excellent drama is all about!
Scary Gorgeous
Posted by Martin in Bedlam Theatre, Joshua Hepple, Scary Gorgeous on August 12, 2011
HEATRE*****
Scary Gorgeous
Bedlam Theatre
Two girls play four characters that are in two relationships. I have never seen actresses be able to portray so much emotion in their performance, yet remain together. Scary Gorgeous looks like a friendship between two girls called Helen and Abbi, and then quickly changes to scenes about a relationship between Sarah and Aiden. The two actresses effortlessly change between their two roles that are very different.
Another great feature about Scary Gorgeous is that there is a live band on-stage that are mainly used to portray emotion between the two relationships. However, they also become part of the plot when Helen and Abbi set up their own band. This band allows us to hear the girls’ great voices while they are rehearsing for a gig in their newly-established band.
This play examined sexuality and promiscuity in a very explicit yet dignified way. This is something which is not easy to achieve. It also looks at the need to fit in as one of the characters becomes very defensive about her lack of sexual history. This results in disastrous consequences when the girl are put to the test and have to very quickly change characters in two very different and very emotional scenes. They do not fail to impress the audience.
As usual, the Bedlam theatre has put on another excellent production. A show like Scary Gorgeous is exactly what the Fringe should be about. This is Fringe theatre at its best.
