At the end of a climb into the Edinburgh skyline, there is a tiny darkened stage, where magic awaits to be discovered.
This is what theatre at the Fringe should be about. Original, evocative material performed by a renowned actor/director/writer that delights and endears, transporting the audience back 101 years to another performance – that of the Russian Ballet’s opening in Paris.
Tanner vibrantly brings to life the real-life character of Sergei Diaghilev, the self-described Charlatan of the show’s title, in the final moments before his death. His recounting of his upbringing as a Russian army brat to his rise as an Impressario and international triumph at the head of the Ballet Russes. Along the way are tales of love and lust, Coco Chanel and all of the backstage scandal both witnessed and instigated by the man himself.
The dialogue in this one-man show meanders sweetly along through anecdotal gossip of the prima balerinas, bittersweet recounts of lost lovers and the occasional confession of a gentle soul which has been capable of dark thoughts and deeds.
One small stumbling block in the show is Diaghilev’s distracting accent. This results in the audience having to translate and sometimes laughing by the time Tanner has moved onto his next monologue.
Regardless, this charming piece of theatre is well worth partaking of. In an age of mass-produced entertainment, this feels like a special secret to be cherished, a rare glimpse into a forgotten world and bygone age.
4/5 
Zander Bruce
