Hector Boudreau

My wife and I took in this show as we had not been to the Neptune in some time and had never attended a Fringe Event. Honestly, we were rewarded for our attendance, as this show was an absolute irreverent blast. My review follows below.

First and foremost, actors Jon Paterson and Rod Peter Jr. are clearly fans of the bard and talented orators and physical comedians. The premise: two actors book a stage to perform their respective roles, Hamlet and Iago. With ebbs and flows in modern English slang and inevitable turns to the proper Shakespearean flourish, the two review their rental agreements and determine that Iago is in the right and has properly booked the venue. Hamlet steps aside and lets Iago soliloquize as he watches from the back. Inevitably, Hamlet returns and the two begin their comedic to and fro initially appearing to empathize with the other's plight. Iago is passed over by a lesser soldier while Hamlet is betrayed by his uncle who murders his father, beds his mother and takes his throne. This is not a serious venture, however and within moments, each person slags the other to hilarious effect. The "what did you just say" aspect is standard comedy fare but here is used in stellar, robust fashion. What is notable of their performances is the seamless transition from fourth wall modernity to immersive play interaction.

The two men's antipathies toward the other quickly rise and each plots the other's undoing. Iago takes point as when it comes to treachery, he is a scholar. Hamlet is filled with ennui and for the most part plays dim bulb to the wittier Iago. The two banter, cajole and plot. A dark turn befalls the play as both recognize the futility of their efforts. A plot of crafting a suicide pact plays for dark laughs. The notion that the two men can't even commit to ending themselves properly does have punch though. Inevitably, they pull back from the brink, and each craft to end the other. Kudos are to be given to the writers who found a way to cleverly blend each play and protagonist's trajectory into a natural rivalry. To concoct such a plot device, one must truly love Shakespeare and be knowledgeable of his works.

The finale is mad cap fun, bringing about a ridiculous (in a good way) fight sequence; where old theatrical methods of bloodletting shine forth as comedy gold. This was a terrific way to spend an afternoon and at a terse hour, exceedingly worth your time. Should this play make its way to your neck of the woods, do yourself a favor and take it in.