Wednesday 23 November 2011

Review of 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' by Carole Philip

'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' at the Lace Market Theatre, 3-8 October 2011

Although I have seen many excellent performances at the Lace Market Theatre, none have impressed me enough to put pen to paper for The Boards.

Last week, however, I saw Chris Ireson give an outstanding performance as the Maniac in Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and I felt it could not go without due praise.

Even in a well-directed production, which this was, it would have been so easy to overplay or ham up this role. Chris gave us a measured, meaningful and totally believable performance, changing character, mood and of course, accent, often in mid sentence.

The energy he gave every line and movement filled the stage throughout the whole performance. No mean feat at the best of times, but he was also ill and still managed to give a performance many of our members could only dream of.

The false hand and wooden leg scene could have desended into unfunny slapstick and chaos, but it worked because of the controlled delivery, pace and timing by Chris. Chris, your performance was a tour de force and you should be deservedly proud.

Carole Philip

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