Arthur Conan Doyle’s popular comedic characters – two veterans of the Battle of Waterloo on opposing sides – relive their finest moments in this one-man play. However, although Richard Smithies gives a credible and enjoyable performance as both gratingly exuberant Corporal Gregory Brewster and stereotypically vain Frenchman Brigadier Gerard, the humour is not very obvious if you’re not already familiar with these characters. As the second part consists of just Brigadier Gerard’s monologue, describing the Battle of Waterloo from the French perspective in great detail, the lack of humour means that this half drags a bit if you’re not interested in military history. If you’re already a fan of these characters, this production is worth a visit.

New Town Theatre, 4 – 28 Aug (not 16), 4.30pm (5.30pm), £7.00 – £10.00, fpp310.
tw rating 3/5
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