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Y E K S M M U C N E H P E T S
list.co.uk/festival Reviews | FESTIVAL THEATRE
K C A J E B B O R I
THE SECRET AGENT Disappointing adaptation of Joseph Conrad classic ●●●●●
STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS A touching meeting of minds in adaptation of Alexander Masters’ acclaimed story ●●●●● THE THREE LIONS The prime minister, a footballer and a prince walk into a hotel ●●●●●
There’s a large emphasis on presentation in theatre O’s adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel. The tale of anarchy, terrorism, disability, exploitation and betrayal – set in the waning years of Queen Victoria’s reign – is introduced via a showman’s ‘Cabinet of Desire’, a sideshow tragedy with looming shadows and grease-painted stagehands. Unfortunately, both of these devices end up stealing the show from the acting and dull script.
The overtly theatrical set-up seems intended to give the players a bit of leeway – if the setting is so obviously constructed, it suggests, you can get away with the broadest possible brushstrokes in the performances. Only the abusive Vladimir (one of several roles fulfilled by Leander Deeny) seems to live up to this pantomime promise, the rest of the cast coming off as either stilted or hammy. Simon Daw’s stage design is marvellous
though, and both Anna Watson’s lighting and Eva Vilamitjana’s choreography deserve special mention, especially in the last act. The real tragedy is that the written adaptation of Conrad’s story isn’t nearly as compelling. (Niki Boyle) ■ Traverse, 228 1404, until 25 Aug, times vary, £18–£20 (£13–£15).
The tale of an unlikely friendship, which blossoms in the most unlikely of situations, Stuart: A Life Backwards has leapt from book to TV film to stage, making a smooth transition at every turn. Partly, this is because of the quality of writing and acting afforded each project. But a large part of this comes down to Stuart
himself – a truly fascinating man whose real life was filled with as much wit and intelligence as it was tragedy.
Stuart Shorter and Alexander Masters (author of the original biography) meet at a homeless hostel. The former a working-class service user, the latter a middle-class worker. Together they campaign for the release of two wrongly accused hostel employees. But it’s the men’s friendship that is the real story here. Praise cannot be heaped high enough on actor
Fraser Ayres, who is truly phenomenal in the role of Stuart, capturing his inherent vulnerability (following childhood sexual abuse), physical frailties as a result of multiple sclerosis, and his endlessly likeable charm. (Kelly Apter) ■ Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 3.30pm, £12–£14 (£11–£13).
Set in a hotel in Zurich in December 2010, William Gaminara’s The Three Lions presents an imagined account of what happened during England’s failed bid for the 2018 World Cup. However, the focus of this piece isn’t on the politics of the bid but on the clashing personalities and egos of the three men at the heart of it: David Cameron (Dugald Bruce-Lockhart), David Beckham (Sean Browne) and Prince William (Tom Davey). Put simply, place these three characters in a hotel room, add a bit of awkward banter and one-upmanship, and anything is truly possible. Directed by Philip Wilson, The Three Lions is a
riotous send-up of three of the most iconic men in the UK today. Gaminara’s satirical wit, combined with the efforts of a strong cast and Wilson’s precise direction, elevate this play from the realm of simple spoof to laugh-a-minute Fringe gem.
Fun, engrossing and utterly merry, The Three Lions is a welcome pastiche on the power of politics, celebrity and notoriety, and the omni- shambles that ensues when all three are brought together. (Amy Taylor) ■ Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 26 Aug, 4.30pm, £11.50–£15 (£10–£13.50).
SQUALLY SHOWERS TV satire falls flat ●●●●●
Little Bulb’s previous Fringe entries were surprising hits that offered a bold, witty approach to theatre. Their musical about a Christian rock band, Operation Greenfield, was charming and adventurous. This time, the company are looking back to the 1980s and has added contemporary dance into the mix. Set in a newsroom during the ‘boom’ years of Conservative
government, and mixing up the classic TV magazine format with a style of language that owes much to motivational speakers, the show relies more on the visuals and cheeky humour than the slim plot. Squally Showers has retina-burning kitsch costumes and sets,
and terrific deadpan soap opera-esque performances from the ensemble. Featuring weather girls looking to achieve greatness when presenters die and capitalist mantras set to interpretive dance routines, the ensemble tackle the worst excesses of the Thatcher generation, peppered with high-fives, endless chain- smoking and cheesy power ballads. Unfortunately, the core satire, which is aimed at both the
politics and fashions of the time, does not provide enough quality material. The mullets, leggings and soundbites start to grate around ten minutes in; this is a great sketch idea stretched out to an hour and a half.
With this show, their ambition – which was supported in
Operation Greenfield by a sensitivity to characterisation and a profound compassion for the struggles of youth – sadly outstrips their ability to develop the idea. There is no doubting Little Bulb’s commitment and demented
energy, which is relentless; sadly, so too is their one gag, repeated ad nauseum. Satire really needs more content and a stronger narrative arc in order to work. (Lorna Irvine) ■ Zoo Southside, 662 6892, until 24 Aug, 9pm, £12 (£10).
22 Aug–19 Sep 2013 THE LIST FESTIVAL 121