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ED2011 3/5 Reviews ED2011 Theatre Reviews
Two Johnnies Live Upstairs (Paroles Traverses / Institut Français d’Ecosse)
By Lauren Kelly | Published on Friday 19 August 2011
In this promenade, one must imagine that the French Institute building is in fact the home of a celebrated French onion merchant from yesteryear and that one is being shown around by his great-grandson. So far, so reasonable. But when one encounters a rabbit hand-puppet torture-chamber, or the guide converses with Sean Connery via the TV, things become maddeningly perplexing. Ironically, given that French stereotypes are lampooned in the play, the work may be too quintessentially avant-garde for British tastes. However, it is a powerful, experimental piece and perhaps merits viewing purely for its weirdness. One of the strangest theatrical productions I’ve ever experienced, be prepared for lots of onions and factor in time for a stiff drink afterwards.
Institut Français d’Ecosse, 5 – 26 Aug (not 13, 14, 20, 21), times vary, £8.00 – £10.00, fpp307.
tw rating 3/5
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