By Peter Maddern
The premise of this improv show is that the two male actors on stage start with only the basics and then make up the rest, drawing it all together at the end of 60 minutes – hence the name of the show. On opening night, we started with a clapped out Spanish dance teacher and an oldie who likes stitching things. Where it all finished may require a spoiler alert but it is fair to say it was a long way from there as the various stories weaved their way together including the players switching roles along the way.
The Scriptease team have certainly set themselves an ambitious target and while the ensuing hour was engrossing, it somehow felt more like watching a chess game than theatre and a long way, as it proved on this night at least, from the comedy section of the Fringe Guide.
And possibly this is where the issue with A Show From Nothing’s entertainment value rests. Rather than feeling spoken to, the audience would be forgiven for just seeing two men going at each other in an intense battle of wits; somehow more of each’s internal emotions as they sparred with the other on twists and turns of plot would have helped. Moving from behind the two chairs – the only props in the show – and sharing more of the stage’s space with the punters would have aided too.
Still, this was opening night and no doubt both actors would have been delighted the hour ended with both still standing rhetorically and metaphorically. As the season progresses, no doubt too they will both be able to relax and project more than verbalise between themselves.
Anyway, none of this is to derogate from the strength of imagination and daring shown in both the concept and performance of this show and as traditional Fringe fare it is well worth the visit.
Kryztoff Rating 3K
Recent Comments