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Fringe 2007 Reviews (86)
Liberté, Egalité,
Fraternité
The Boy Who Cried Theatre Company
C soco
***(*)
Following the real life adventures of a Ukrainian Jew on the run from
anti-semitism and German militarism during the second world war; this
heart-warming fragment of history is culled from the real life interviews
of Julien Gross and his Wife Andrée. Taking the audience on a
journey from his birth, through several countries and finally to safety
in London, the five-strong company capably change roles and seem to
be having a rare old time of performing the jocular piece. They also
maintain the strong musical current throughout.
It's a refreshing change to see a story about the problems of Jewish
Europeans during the second world war which isn't a sloping descent
into doom and misery. Much of this is a result of the slightly madcap
manner in which Julien has lived his life. It's difficult to become
too depressed when the subject is so full of characters and joie
de vivre, as he slips from one difficult situation to another, relying
on little more than wit, charm and a good-hearted dollop of shameless
opportunism. His carefree shrug and aside comments to the audience upon
being given a plate of bacon serve as a good enough example of his adaptation
to any given situation.
The company have again excelled themselves in a beautiful telling of
a sweet and uplifting tale of love, survival and the human spirit.
Graeme Strachan
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Underground Theatre: Scotland
Diverse Attractions
**(*)
Transforming Oscar Wilde's only novel in to a useable stageplay was
going to be difficult at best, as the Gothic tragedy is one which is
vastly more social commentary than story. As such this adaptation falls
at the first hurdle, as it never manages to space itself from the preachy
discourse of the book, and becomes, at times, a series of Wildean monologues,
none of which advance the plot enough to merit inclusion and which,
in such rapid, succession quickly become tedious.
The acting is accomplished, as the players wallow in the opulent decadence
of their roles and the well rounded and witty dialogue, but with too
much of the story left hanging, and adhering too closely to the novel,
the play ends up being rather like Dorian himself, superficial and without
any real substance or soul beneath what is immediately apparent.
Graeme Strachan
Three Wise Men and a Baby
By David Robinson
Saltmine Theatre Company
Charlotte Chapel
*****
Following from the success of last year's Screwtape Letters,
Saltmine theare company have brought their unique talents to tackle
a Christmas comedy. Following the preparations for a local parish production
of a musical pantomime based on the Nativity, the story mixes in the
hysterically bad rehersals, the eyerolling moments of comic genius and
the quiet reflections held by the three main performers.
The play is performed without a single hitch and with genuine depth
of feeling from the experienced and capable cast. The song and dance
numbers are all executed with a sense of fun and enjoyment, and while
the show is a step towards younger and more family oriented material
than some of their other productions, it still manages to hold a great
deal of insight and subtle allusions to faith and happiness without
ever letting this overtake the or detract from the joviality and fun
of the play.
Another triumph from one of the most professional theatre companies
currently trading the boards.
Graeme Strachan
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