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ED2011 1/5 Reviews ED2011 Theatre Reviews
Caruso And The Monkey House Trial (Prodigal Theatre collaboration with Andrew G Marshall)
By Thea Warren | Published on Friday 19 August 2011
This ambitious one-man show tells the scandalous true story of a 1906 court case, putting the audience in the role of jury. The show is clearly a labour of love but fails to delight due to a cumbersome script and the inflexibility of the sole performer. Whilst Ignacio Jarquin is charming as Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, his attempts to create dialogue by flitting between characters proves unconvincing and distracting. Equally, the operatic element is disappointing: Jarquin’s voice is not strong, often moving set whilst singing rather than committing to the music. Though Jarquin proves affable enough to win this jury’s support, this forgettable show sadly does not reap the potential of its novel conceit and captivating protagonist.
Hill Street Theatre, 5 – 29 Aug (not 10, 17, 24), 3.45pm (4.45pm), £7.50 – £11.00, fpp247.
tw rating 1/5
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