Perish With Great Difficulty

Perish With Great Difficulty, a FringeWorld production presented by Weeping Spoon Productions and State of Play, must be the ultimate mash up. For any couple who have ever argued about what to watch on TV (or indeed what to see at the theatre) this production, which blends the premise of Die Hard, with the style and sensibilities of Jane Austen, would seemingly have something to please everyone.

Set on Christmas Eve, a handsome retired, naval captain sets out to win back the heart of his estranged fiancé. Instead, our gallant hero is forced to act, as the Christmas Ball at Nakatomi Manor is interrupted by an attack from a band of Bavarian ne’er-do-wells led by Hans Gruber. Regency manners meet action movie.

Three performers, Jessica Messenger, Esther Longhurst and Amanda Jean, play a plethora of characters (sometimes playing two people simultaneously) in a manic blend of costume changes, hats, canons and dead bodies - all performed at an amazing pace. The three have a superb rapport and perform with a wink and a nod - great acting that never takes itself seriously.

For those who remember the craziness of the improvised Jane Austen show, Sense and Spontaneity, this scripted show has the same high energy and sense of the bizarre - with intelligent comedy.

Hilariously funny and scathingly clever, this crazy little show should appeal to many, and may be the perfect date night choice. A treat to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Shane Adamczak.