This is the second of the Fringe shows that is based on Alfred Jarry’s Ubu Roi, though this one has less 80s pop in it.
Mike McShane is excellent in the role of Fatboy, the devious, vile character who will stop at nothing to get what he wants (world domination naturally), along with Nancy Walsh who plays his wife. Both have an outstanding ability to deliver the lines “mmmooottthhheeeerrrrrffffuuuucccckkkkeeeerrrr!!!” and “yyyyoooouuuuuu ffffaaaaattttt bbbaaaasssstttaaaaaarrddd!!!” with an unfaltering enthusiasm that makes it quite beautiful in a weird sort of way.
The play has been updatedand directed by John Clancy, who has put in some effective references to modern day issues and events (world domination = George Bush – You get the idea) and managed to get the characters to interact with the audience well. Fatboy’s speech at the end, which is genuinely quite disturbing, works especially well under his direction.
There are constant references to the fact that you are watching a play, with characters asking to be excused so they can change costume and such like, but that really adds to the appeal of the production. A couple of people walked out during the performance, possibly because of the swearing. There is a lot of swearing.
4/5
Becky Stone
