*****The
Venetian Twins
Greene Shoots Theatre
C, Chambers Street, 0870 701
5105
August 15-21 3.00 p.m. (1
hr)
Admission From: £7.50 £6.50 (Concessions)
I was not sure what to expect from this play which started its run on the 15th and will end in the
21st but this near sell-out show (about 12 seats left free) was one of the most authentic and wonderfully acted youth theatre
shows the Fringe has to offer. This show really is in a league of it’s own with a cast so skilled, funny, and over the
top that I fell in love with this show!
The
play itself is manic and crazy and at times so over the top you forget for a moment that these are actors ranging between
17 and 18. Their maturity is clear and they have been guided incredibly well by the Greene Shoots Theatre team, which has
enabled them to produce a play that has class, skill, and the right amount of craziness that makes this a joy to watch. Charles
and James Holroyd – the Venetian Twins – are a smash, each bring a wonderful sense of life to their respective
roles – which, at times, leaves you feeling a little more than envious that two brothers could has so much talent.
One of the more adorable aspects of the production
is the valets of each of the main noblemen, twins, and doctor. Over time they become so funny (and cute) it gave the play
a greater power and allowed all the actors to give their all. The way the cast work together is outstanding and is a credit
to their creative team. Few people could have predicted that this show would be such a hit, well timed, funny, and incredibly
acted The Venetian Twins is a 2010 MUST SEE show.
Niger
Asije (The New Current)
****The Venetian Twins
Greene Shoots Theatre
Steph Gunary's adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's play is, quite simply, a knockout. Funny, farcical and very physical,
this piece of Commedia dell'Arte delivers on every level. Each movement and interaction is polished and well synchronised,
and there isn't a weak link in the cast; minor characters are as individually defined and captivating as the leads.
Twin brothers James and Charles Holroyd are gloriously clownish, malleable and expressive, whilst Millie Clarke and
Emily Smith as their love interests are hysterically soppy without being irritating. The breakneck pace never slows and the
laugh out loud moments are consistent from start to finish. This is a tight and skilfully directed production - a frivolous
afternoon treat.
C, 15 - 21 Aug, 3.00pm (4.00pm), £4.50 - £9.50, fpp 302.
tw rating 4/5
by Georgia J Shaw (ThreeWeeks) ****The Venetian Twins
15-21 Aug, 1500 (1600) @ C, Chambers Street The
performers of Greene Shoots Theatre are 17 and 18 year-old school seniors – before you think this might call for leniency
in a review, be assured none is needed. This version of Goldoni’s comedy is a strong ensemble piece, rich in detail
and very much in the commedia dell’ arte tradition of the original.
This is a tale of romance with a twist,
plotting most nefarious, and highly amusing mistaken identity, the latter greatly helped by identical twin actors. The style
is broad and zany (a term rooted in commedia), with lots of detailed physical sequences and character combinations wonderfully
representative of commedia dell’ arte’s ‘lazzi’ (set interactions such as mimicry and chases). The
actors are only slightly uneven in skill, but mostly well-cast, with everyone – whether in small or large roles –
committing to the extremes of the style. All are used in some great chorus lazzi, vocally well-delivered as well as physically
strong.
The direction is tight and well-choreographed, including the comedy violence which was more convincing
than other stage combat seen so far this Fringe. Pace and style is light and quick, as befits the material, and costume (c.
1920s/’30s) attractively reflects relationships, including the clever pairing of masters and servants. The adaptation
works very well, with a slight change of ending (made easy by twin actors) that is fitting in style and worked in nicely.
This production of The Venetian Twins is a fun, physical farce energetically performed and directed with
delightful detail.
By Danielle Farrow (The Edinburgh Spotlight)
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