5 Stars

*****

Julien Cottereau has taken the arts of mime and clowning and given them a 21^st century makeover by introducing a spectacular range of sound effects generated by his own voice. Despite his modernistic approach, the influences of the comedy greats of the era of silent movies can be seen and he matches what they devised.

He makes his first entrance as a cleaner and we get an idea of his act from the combination of facial expressions, movement and sound. For many of his routines he brings on to the stage volunteers from the audience to help with the action. What is truly impressive is the way he can co-ordinate precisely the actions of the volunteers with his sound effects. It is uncannily telepathic and achieved with an impish sense of humour. He can play tennis football and my eyes are following the movement of an invisible ball.

His final routine with the aid of two volunteers is spellbinding. There is the damsel in distress and the evil rogue. He, in Chaplin style, slays the evil rogue to achieve the rescue and to round off a classy performance.

Reviewed by Ben

Venue; Venue Number                  Assembly @ Princes St Gardens; V52

Dates                                                  5 to 29 August 2010 (not 9, 23)

Times                                                 16.15 to 17.15

Fringe Programme Page Number: 149