Tag Archives: Paul Brendan

THE GLORIOUS FRENCH REVOLUTION

★★★★

New Diorama Theatre

THE GLORIOUS FRENCH REVOLUTION at the New Diorama Theatre

★★★★

“The chaos is cut with emotion, and it’s carefully and cleverly structured”

YesYesNoNo are one of the hottest new theatre companies on the current London scene. Following a sell-out run of Nation at the Edinburgh Fringe, which he wrote and performed, Sam Ward’s latest offering is a chaotically absurd retelling of the French Revolution with pool noodles and bouncy castles.

There are five things this audience need to know about the French Revolution. Some are factual, some funny and some furious.

We begin in pre-revolutionary France. Inequality is rife, as demonstrated by peasants being thwacked by a pool noodle. This is a play that seethes under a jovial surface.

As the historical events develop, so too does the madness unravel. A bouncy castle, a performer on a treadmill, sports commentary of a protest, and a lot of wigs. Each performer multi-roles with cardboard signs announcing their character, none of whom are named. It’s pure Brecht. Thus, unsurprisingly, the silliness masks an anger and a serious message.

Here lies the uncertainty of the play. The anger is clear, and the parallels between modern day Britain and pre-revolutionary France, gloomily obvious. House prices are soaring, and as the rich get richer, the poor struggle for food. There is very little acknowledgement of the modern day, allowing the audience to join the dots themselves. But in doing that, the message becomes murkier, some aspects obvious, some obtuse. The ending makes the point of the allegory clearer, but feels disjointed, both in tone and meaning.

As a retelling of the French Revolution, it is sparky and punchy, if a little simplistic. As a modern-day commentary, it’s a little uncertain. It becomes a general comment on inequality and struggle, leaving the final visual moment, while striking, a little empty.

The show was devised by Sam Ward and the cast. There are some beautiful textual moments, some which have Ward’s signature flowing style. The chaos is cut with emotion, and it’s carefully and cleverly structured.

Joe Boylan is sublime, leaping over the vaulting horse, trudging on the treadmill and creating a balletic and pathetic image of the King. He also delivers the two most powerful and memorable monologues, striking an emotional resonance which is desperately needed. Jessica Enemokwu, Sha Dessi, and Alice Keedwell create delightful caricatures and bring energy and silliness to the stage. Paul Brendan deftly switches from the enthusiastic sweary washerwoman to the patronising idealistic bourgeoise, bringing each to life with joy and complexity.

Hazel Low’s set conjures an instant smile. With a shiny red floor, horse vault and an umpire chair, it is reminiscent of a school gymnasium. The childlike playfulness is brought to the fore. But the set also manages to encompass darker themes, and in combination with Han Sayle’s lighting design and Tom Foskett-Barnes’ sound there are moments of pure carnage.

This show has flashes of genius but based on YesYesNoNo’s previous work I couldn’t help expecting more from this play. It could’ve gone further, delving deeper into the messaging, and the payoff didn’t feel strong enough. As a devised piece it may evolve into something more complex as time goes on. But it’s an electric production, with some visual delights.


THE GLORIOUS FRENCH REVOLUTION at the New Diorama Theatre

Reviewed on 18th November 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Alex Brenner

 

 


 

 

 

Previously reviewed at this venue:

KING TROLL (THE FAWN) | ★★★★★ | October 2024
BRENDA’S GOT A BABY | ★★★ | November 2023
AFTER THE ACT | ★★★★★ | March 2023
PROJECT DICTATOR | ★★½ | April 2022

THE GLORIOUS FRENCH REVOLUTION

THE GLORIOUS FRENCH REVOLUTION

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The Tempest – 4 Stars

Covent

The Tempest

St Paul’s Church

Reviewed – 26th June 2018

★★★★

“The gardens provide a stunning backdrop and the church itself adds an element of drama to the production”

 

Struggling with the searing city heat? Fancy the theatre but can’t face the stifling environment of the auditorium? Head to St Paul’s, the Actor’s Church in Covent Garden and be treated to Iris Theatre’s alfresco performance of The Tempest. The gardens of St Paul’s are a delightful escape from the heat and give a beautiful backdrop to this promenade production.

With almost perfect timing at the opening scene, the wind starts to pick up and rustle through the trees creating the sense of trouble ahead. This continues as Jamie Newall playing Prospero whips up a foreboding storm and sets the fate of the King of Naples and his accompanying crew.

Charlotte Christensen is a delight as Ariel. She plays the ethereal, mystic creature so well you forget she is human as she gracefully moves around the set with an unwavering quizzical stare. Her voice is magical, and her flute playing is mesmerising. She certainly is the star of this show.

Paul Brendan as Trinculo and Reginald Edwards as Stephano delight the audience with their portrayal of drunken fools. These scenes bring a welcomed light heartedness to the evening.

The gardens provide a stunning backdrop and the church itself adds an element of drama to the production. The lighting design by Benjamin Polya used within the church is both clever and imaginative.

Despite the heat of the day the garden is much cooler than elsewhere, enclosed by tall buildings it is very shady and the temperature drops rapidly. You would be wise to take along a jacket or even a blanket to ensure you are not shivering through the closing scenes. Take advantage of the current weather and take part in this special and engaging show.

 

Reviewed by Angela East

Photography by Nick Rutter

 


The Tempest

St Paul’s Church until 28th July

 

Related
Previously reviewed Iris Theatre production
Macbeth | ★★★★★ | St Paul’s Church | July 2017

 

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