Showing @ Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh until Wed 14 Aug @16:10
Kill the Beast aim high with their attempt to adapt Tom Baker‘s work and largely return very impressive results. The madcap yet slick show is consistently engaging, entertaining and disconcerting at the right moments. Protagonist Robert Caligari’s journey from the social delinquent who kicks pigs to mass murderer is plotted out in alternately humorous and shocking set pieces.
The script is impressively adapted with the dramatic device of Trevor a new, but well-considered addition. Even more notable is how David Roberts‘ illustrations were converted into a visual piece. Particular credit should go to Bryan Woltjen’s projection designs which appear beautifully handmade and must be one of the more remarkable backdrops at this year’s Fringe. The ensemble keep pace, use interesting staging and spring between characters with exceptional talent, but sometimes the preference for screaming and fast-paced delivery made lines either incomprehensible or grating. The production is engaging and memorable despite this and everyone should keep an eye out for what this company produce next.