#etherdome

****

With an air of uncertainty I went to North London to see the much anticipated 'Etherdome' by Penny Dreadful.

Momentum began to build for this production at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it wowed it's audience and gained some great reviews. As it began to tour the UK and Ireland it picked up even more momentum and some great reviews as well as sold out nights in the venues they were touring.

This kind of hype can sometimes be a great publicist or an excellent production office, would there be any substance? So, I waited in the Jackson Lane Theatre on the tours final night to find out...

And what a delight! Excellent actors drove this tour de force production incorporating themes ranging from comedy/science/history and morality to new levels.

I split my sides with laughter and was enthralled and mesmerised by the talents of the three protagonists on stage. Philippe Spall, Denis Herdman & Denise Kennedy shine in their roles.

This play is a simple tale in truth but executed brilliantly with some hilarious and perfectly timed comedy. Comedy drives this production, and at first it feels a little awkward, a little hammy but then the audience falls in love with the nature of the comedy and literally goes for the ride as audience participation begins...but again this is done wonderfully well and kudos again to the actors for making this entertaining as well as tasteful.

'Etherdome' as it's title suggests tells the story of how three men claim to have first invented anaesthetic, the failures on the way to success and the greed that resulted - presenting a morality tale suitable for all ages which makes this production not only a joy to watch by all but extremely marketable.