Kellerman: Bristol Old Vic

Tuesday 12th May 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Kellerman: Bristol Old Vic. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 8 / 10.

Yorkshire-based theatre company imitating the dog have an excellent pedigree (excuse the pun) for challenging the boundaries of theatrical form.

And the haunting, nightmarish world of Harry Kellerman, something of a keynote performance at this year's Mayfest extravaganza, certainly delivers in its aim to offer a challenging and innovative viewing experience.

The eponymous main character is a scientist who finds himself in hospital following a suicide attempt. He is insistent that his wife and child have disappeared, but his demonic psychiatrist refuses to believe that they ever existed.

Through his feverish calculations he attempts to show that the past can be manipulated and the future can be predicted. Can he prove everybody wrong by changing the order of events that led to the disappearance of everything he loved?

Kellerman boasts a magnificent two-storey set, which incorporates a revolving stage, flying harnesses, moving masks and stunning back and front projections.

Within this extraordinary set, the narrative is played across filmed scenes and live action, building on and extending the exciting explorations that took place in the company's previous work, the highly acclaimed Hotel Methuselah.

Adam Nash, playing the title role, gives a suitably fragile and feverish performance, while Morven Macbeth, as the enigmatic Amy, is in turn sensual, menacing and damaged.

Although the plot itself is intentionally confused, reflecting Kellerman's scrambled psyche, it's the melding of various media that ultimately provides a satisfying and refreshingly unconventional experience.

Kellerman's willingness to throw out the rule book makes it a very welcome addition to this year's Mayfest programme.

Natalie Hale

This is a Crackerjack review of Kellerman: Bristol Old Vic. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.