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Fringe 2008 Reviews (100)
Living With Johnny Depp
Madcap Theatre Company
The Zoo
*****
Johnny Depp-obsessed Shania Sweeney is 16 years old and living on the
West Coast of Ireland. Struggling in her English Exam she writes about
her idol and ends up finding herself in the principle's office facing
expulsion. As she tells us her story we meet the various characters
who feature in Shania's life - her hunchbacked spinster English teacher,
her colouring-in obsessed best friend, and her alcoholic headmistress.
As all are performed by Joanne Mitchell, this becomes a showcase not
only for the actress' fantastic physical and comic skills but also a
great comment on the relationship between timid teachers and confrontational,
celebrity obsessed teenagers. Shania blames her English teacher for
her lack of achievements in the class but all the while escapes into
her fantasy world of 'living with Johnny Depp' and never concentrates
on her homework.
Mitchell brilliantly portrays her young character with charm and wit
whilst also exposing her failings. In a fantastic parallel all three
of Mitchell's female characters descend into their own fantasies away
from their limited lives. Both funny and expertly observed, this is
a hugely entertaining piece with far more to say than just its surface
level. See this for both an outstanding performer and an excellent writer
who generates a fantastic festival show.
Cecily Boys
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Exeter University Theatre Company
Sweet ECA
***
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a raucous rollercast of
a ride into unsettled dreams and the threat of the over imaginative
mind. Promising that they too are lovers of Lewis Carroll's famous novel
and will do their best to stay true to the story, Exeter University
sets off on a physical storytelling riot. In traditional light blue
Alice falls down the Rabbit Hole and finds herself confronted with the
pig cradling Duchess, a tear soaked Dodo and a thoroughly mad Tea Party.
When the Queen of Hearts arrives it's all to play for on the croquet
lawn. Finally the injustice of the head chopping court spirals out of
control and it's time for Alice to return to reality in the arms of
her big sister who only sighs and smiles at 'the wonder of a child'.
With some thoroughly memorable pieces of physical theatre, Exeter University
make good use of the small space and play their characters to the max.
With a wonderfully loopy Queen of Hearts and an intriguingly elusive
White Rabbit, Alice goes on an amazing adventure through the neon signed
Wonderland. Although Alice's encounter with the caterpillar is cut,
her pool full of tears creates a lasting impression, set to a brilliant
soundtrack. What their costumes lack in finish the actors make up for
in energy. A fun filled Alice in Wonderland whirlwind.
Cecily Boys
Blood Wedding
Colet Players
Zoo Southside
***
In the family home The Mother bitterly remembers the deaths of her
husband and eldest son. Her younger son plans to marry a cousin of the
Felix family but this angers her. Although it was a relative of the
Felix family who killed her husband and son The Mother manages to suppress
her feelings of revenge over her want for grandchildren. However as
the wedding goes forward it becomes clear that The Bride still has strong
feelings for Leonardo Felix and they escape together on his horse into
the night. The cold Moon and evil Death personified come out to enjoy
the blood that will be spilt as the Groom and Woodcutters set off into
the countryside in vengeful search for Leonardo.
In black costumes and bright white furniture on a black set this all
female cast highlight Lorca's themes of trapped women in the first of
the playwright's trilogy of rural tragedies. Despite some clumsy scene
changes and slightly missed cues this is an impacting interpretation
of the symbolism filled play. With an excellent performance from the
actress playing Leonardo the piece proves to have more resonance than
one would expect from such a young cast. Filled with Spanish tragedy
and family feuding these women pull off a promising performance.
Cecily Boys
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