Aeneas Faversham Forever
The Penny Dreadfuls are three very talented boys with a penchant for Victorian Gothic melodrama. Apparently in the past they have shown off their copious skills in sketch shows but Aeneus Faversham Forever has a fabulously intriguing complex plot of murder, secret brotherhoods, corrupt bridge builders and oysters. Lots of oysters. There are so many stunningly drawn characters it is hard to believe only three actors are creating them.
The main hero was Rufus Hamilton a children’s author whose ancestor was part of an ancient myth about the embodiment of all evil and an oyster. The myth was portrayed in elegant shadow puppetry by acclaimed Edinburgh Puppeteer Jeremy Bidgood. His wife was mysteriously murdered and he decided to investigate. He met up with our other hero the drunken, disgraced ex policeman McAlister who was also investigating to try to get back into the force. The villain of the piece was bridge engineer Lucias Frost who lead a secret brotherhood, had henchmen, and an apocalyptic plan. Of course. There are many other characters all familiar parodies of characters from Victorian fiction.
The characters created were broad and perfectly formed with many well executed accents. The performers threw all their energy into it and looked like they were having a ball. The plot was not an excuse to set up jokes. Everything about this show was spot on, including technically, the lighting and particularly the music which was astonishing. Using the most dramatic parts of film scores from films such as Pearl Harbour, V for Vendetta and Alien vs. Predator and even some video games, the guys had created a wildly over the top fabulous score for their show that worked splendidly. I also loved the shadow puppetry.
I’m a history and Victorian literature buff, so I know why I loved it, it makes me really happy to know that others are enjoying it too. It reminded me a little of the best Monty Python or Fry & Laurie. This show is collecting five star reviews on all sides. They did that last year too. I smell an IF award . If not, look out for Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck on a TV near you very soon.
Visit the Fringe Website for booking details.