6—8pm
FESTIVAL 6—8pm continued
THEATRE PREVIEW The Sleepwalkers
‘Up there! A metatheatrical epic alien- ation device': Sleepwalkers
The idea of epic theatre has invariably conveyed itself as having a public focus, an address to society rather than the individual within it. Popularised by Brecht, this art form has asked us to question the way in
st Augustine’s, George IV Bridy e
theatre - dance - comedy
festival
which we are all formed by our social culture, no matter how idiosyncratic and unique we believe ourselves to be. The realisation of epic often takes its focus through groups of people. And so it is with The Sleepwalkers, Polish director Krystian Lupa's adaptation of Hermann Broch’s novel, which speaks of the effects of World War I, by moving through several communities both before and after the war. The play links the personal to the political, bringing out the crises in selfhood and identity in its characters through a massive, three-part spectacle, which will be performed over three separate nights. Prepare for some lengthy, but challenging theatre. (Steve Cramer)
I The Sleepwalkers (International) Start Theatre Krakow. King ’5 Theatre, 4 73 2000, Part One 23-24 Aug,
6. 30pm; Part Two 26 Aug, 7pm, 28 Aug 2pm; Part Three 27-28 Aug, 7pm, £5-E22. 50.
THEATRE REVIEW Wreck The Airline Barrier *iitt
A compelling, edgy and disturbing exploration into the dark side of the white American psyche, Wreck The Airline Barrier is a highly original piece of theatre. As intense as it is funny, the taut dialogue and sheer emotion of the characters is fine-tuned to a
by Olrvm iVymm-k directed by David Morris
The Odd Youth
August I 7th-29th except 23rd
1:40pm to 2:40pm Willie 28:
(h'cyfirimrs Ki V]: H ousc, szdlcnmkor Row
£5.50
Mal
adapted by Caroline Wilton & David Morris
48 rue usr 19-26 Aug 1999
THEATRE REVIEW
The Nation’s Favourite: The True Adventures Of Radio 1
*it*
Having a Ball. Alex Lowe in The Nation's Favorite: True Adventures of Radio 1
Alex Lowe's one man show presents a picture of corporate intrigue and chicanery which would have the average morning show listener gagging on their cornflakes. Based on Simon Garfield's revelatory account of Matthew Bannister’s reign as Radio 1 Controller, the narrative takes place over breakfast with Bannister, whose kitchen looks too downmarket for what you'd expect for a man in his position. As the morning progresses he gets into his suit, discussing the backstabbing atmOSphere at the BBC of the early 905. and demonstrating, with glasses of orange juice, the ratings-share
during his reign.
The most fascinating part of the story is the way in which he deals with personalities still very well known to the public, from Simon Bates, all the way through to Zoe Ball, who Lowe represents through a succession of hilarious movements with a mop produced from the cupboard. Among others. such notables as John Peel, Steve Wright and DLT are imitated, and none but Peel emerge with integrity intact. Particular savagery is reserved for Bates. whose Our Song theme music is used with pointed comic timing, and Chris Evans, whose behind the scenes nastiness should come as a surprise to no thinking person. A real thick ear of a story.
(Steve Cramer)
I The Nation’s Favourite: The True Adventures Of Radio 7 (Fringe) Fat Bloke Productions, until 30 Aug (not 23-24) 6. 15pm, £8/£ 7 (£ 7/£ 6).
degree. Acting ability? These guys wrote the book. Slipping from character to character, emotion to emotion in a split second, they have no need of props and costume changes. Set for the most part on a plane heading for a crash, the three Nazi-loving, minority-hating Americans philosophise, pray and rage their way towards their death. Absolutely breathtaking. Prepare for take-off. (Kirsty Knaggs)
I Wreck The Airline Barrier (Fringe) The Riot Group, Garage Theatre (Venue 81) 227 9009, until 29 Aug. 7.30pm, £5 (£4).
THEATRE REVIEW The Ragged Child ****
The cholera-infected streets of Victorian London are the familiar setting for this piece of musical theatre. But avoiding the pious platitudes of similar work, it offers a
more complicated appraisal. Of course, it contains the liberal reformer who attempts to get the kids back on their feet with the power of prayer and a dose of the old Protestant work ethic. But to its credit the narrative unfolds as you’d least anticipate and it contains more bite than you might expect. A cast of around 50 supported by a seven-piece orchestra transform the stage as they skilfully recreate the period. Obviously not cutting edge, but well performed and more than entertaining.
(Davie Archibald)
I The Ragged Chi/d (Fringe) The National Youth Music Theatre. George Square Theatre (Venue 37) 662 8740, until 22 Aug, 7pm, £9.50 (E 7.50).
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