The Devil In The Belfry
25 September 2024
Barons Court Theatre
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Devil At The Belfry, running at the Barons Court Theatre until this Saturday (28th September) is a solo-performer take on the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe. Taking on the satirical story of a tiny village that is beholden to its traditional values, this small production elevates the tale to a spooky narrative that sweeps the audience along on a wild adventure.
The village of Vondorvotteimittiss (yes, it’s pronounced wonder what time it is) never wonders what time it is, the villagers are meticulous timekeepers who value punctuality and routine above all else. Never venturing outside of their mountain-ensconced tiny town, never wanting outsiders to enter and upset the natural order. But when they are visited by a mysterious fiddler who wreaks havoc, things go dramatically wrong.
Presenting the story from the view of Handel Fledermaus, a villager born to a mother who was an outsider, the only outsider ever allowed to enter the community, pleading with the audience for help, the story becomes more than its original writing, taking on the big topic of immigration and othering. Dave Robb takes on the monologue expertly, crafting distinct characters in his retelling, engaging the audience directly, whirling across the stage, making the tale come to life with minimal props and maximum imagination. Body language, voices, gestures, mannerisms, facial expressions all come together to denote each character with unmistakable idiosyncrasies. This is top notch storytelling, taking the audience to campfire tale memories.
Bathed in colourful lighting to set the mood of each scene, the tiny stage becomes a myriad of different places with ease and momentum as the unsettling narrative unfolds. Fantastic entertainment on a small scale, with great pacing aiding the rising tension. Robb is energetic and effervescent in this intense short play that is perfect for the spooky season.
