ED2016 4/5 Reviews ED2016 Comedy Reviews

Tatterdemalion (Flabbergast Theatre)

By Gemma Scott | Published on Sunday 14 August 2016

A man in a fez and a white vest informs us (wordlessly) that the circus is not performing today, and so, with feigned resignation, he does his best to entertain us. ‘Tatterdemalion’ is clowning at its purest. There are no words, but performer Henry Maynard soundtracks the entire show with giggles, grunts, gasps and murmurs. The audience quickly becomes a part of his strange world (there are no safe seats here!) and he seems ready for any reaction – from the awkwardly avoidant gaze to the enthusiastic roleplayer. When you find yourself wincing at a man getting his hand trapped in an invisible door, or cheering at the birth of an invisible baby, you know you’re watching a master of physical theatre.

Assembly George Square Theatre, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Gemma Scott]