Review of Hysterical History from the Killin News issue 75

Such was the draw of the pre-performance hype surrounding the Killin Drama Club's performance of Hysterical History that the reviewers were attracted from as far afield as Dunkeld and Lochgoilhead. And they were not disappointed!

The tone was set by a relaxed café-style arrangement, candles on tables, and decent wine available at fair prices! So how much history (and wine) can you cram into a couple of hours and was it hysterical?

Trampling liberally on historical fact and extending myth and legend, the cast launched off from Adam and Eve with a tastefully suggestive show of nudity and a stack of double-entendres that Graham Norton would be proud of.

Working rapidly through pre-history to Egypt where a distinctly Glaswegian Caesar managed to avoid the clutches of a lascivious Cleopatra, the audience chortled and guffawed at the quick fire one-liners. The amusement continued through the ages and across continents to include the courts of Henry VIII and Napoleon Bonaparte, and rushed through to the industrial age.It was here that the first pause was put on the levity of the evening by a moving performance by Jamie Hunt of an urchin in cruel poverty.

Moving on to the 20th Century, a second pause was made to pay a respectful homage to those who gave their lives during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. But the pace was quickly returned with a visit to the houses of the toffs; a slick play on many of the Beatles hits; and a conversation between 'yoofs' which had many in the audience chuckling - was it in sudden recognition of their own offspring?

Solid performances by all members of the cast make it impossible to pick out an Oscar winner - the backstage and technical team certainly deserved recognition for the quantity and quality of the sets, costumes and technical 'tricks'. Wrapping up with a futuristic flight to Mars the audience went home, chuckling and reliving scenes - a sure sign of an enjoyable and memorable evening.

 

Mark Rivers and Marlene Lightbody