Adelaide Fringe 2020 review: The Ides of March
Shakespeare ends up in ancient Rome as part of this laugh-out-loud semi-historical farce.
Theatre
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The Ides of March
Theatre / Comedy / VIC
Rating: ****
Studio, Bakehouse Theatre
Until March 14
Shakespeare would likely be horrified to learn that after all his groundbreaking work, he’d end up as a time traveller at the Adelaide Fringe.
But it doesn’t much matter what he’d think, because Elwood Social Club have put together a hilarious production of farce as William and his offsider, Cardenio, find themselves in Ancient Rome.
They’ve come to research the death of Julius Caesar but unwittingly find themselves as prime suspects.
Four actors and actresses constantly swap characters – from senators to coppers and everything in between – seamlessly.
Kieran Bullock as Shakespeare owns the show with excellent comic timing and stage presence, embodying the madness of the predicament his character finds himself in.
There are references to Doctor Who and in-jokes about Shakespeare’s works (such as Cardenio) and theatre in general to tickle the fancy of thespians and enough info about ancient Rome to educate those not so familiar.
It is a fast-paced, laugh-out loud production – and possibly it’s only let-down is that is lasts just 50 minutes.
