Bizarre, macabre, and perversely funny, this play stays true to the spirit of Charles Perrault’s story of the polygamous villain and his bloody deeds. Yet the tale is also brought up to date with the incorporation of ingeniously inventive musical numbers, with incisive commentary on modern relationships. Breaking the fourth wall is always risky but here it provides a wealth of aesthetic opportunities. What’s more, the cast’s overt enjoyment of performing makes the piece a delight to behold. The range of musical and acting talent displayed by these five actors is magnificent; they play the keyboard, clarinet, and ukulele, and their singing voices are impressive, especially that of Bluebeard himself (Adam Robertson). Very, very good.
Underbelly, 4 – 28 Aug (not 16), 6.55pm (7.45pm), £8.50 – £10.50, fpp245.
tw rating 5/5
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Sections: by Lauren Kelly - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 5/5 | Tags: Milk Presents, Underbelly
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