,

An ‘improvised silent movie’ was certainly a first for me, and so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from tonight’s show bought to us by an Italian group Bugiardini, as I entered the intimate venue on Bread Street.  In an innovative and quirky manner, the audience were encouraged, though mime, to approach the front of the stage and chalk on a board what was to be the topic of tonight’s show. This was settled on ‘Grumpy Astronaut’ – a rather unusual topic for a 1920’s themed show, but nonetheless intriguing.

,

The cast, props, lighting and projections were all in black and white, in homage to the 1920’s silent movie era, and included a spectacular ragtime pianist who improvised ferociously throughout the 50 minute set. The mime was intervalled sporadically with blackout and old style projector slides reminiscent of the Chaplin/Arbuckle era which provided some guidance to help follow the progress of the movie.

,

The movie appeared to cover the exploits and adventures of two gay astronauts on voyage throughout outer space with at times, hilarious slapstick. I have to admit, however, I was somewhat lost at numerous points throughout the show and found the storyline delivered by the six actors on-stage a bit confusing and disjointed. But given that this was an entirely improvised show they could be forgiven for a level of erratic-ism. And the show was impressively delivered with some excellent mime, which was seductive, comic, intricate and intriguing. Overall a great homage to the silent movie era, a well done, innovative and original piece. THREE STARS

Reviewer – Teri Welsh