Have you ever yearned for a trip back in time to old fireside chats with the town bard? Perhaps with some mulled wine in hand and the outside world left for a bit? Then this is the show for you! Lit by fire, flame and some cleverly placed lights, Dr Felix Nobis enters the stage in the Waterside Forge and (surely through some type of magic) starts entrancing us into this fascinating tale of beasts, heroes and fantasy.
Not only was the tale a grand adventure of peaks and valleys to listen to, but Nobis presents this tale in a way that makes me want to listen and to witness this mastery of spoken word was breathtaking. This show was simplicity personified with minimal props, wardrobe, music and lighting, but the impact was maximised by Nobis’ narrator skills. He was able to take an old tale, breathe fresh life into it and present in a way that left the whole audience captured and hanging on to every breath and word from this fireside troubadour.
This story was further brought to life by an incredible harpist playing on the stage who seemed to spin golden spiels of tune from her strings. The immersion and old style melodies allowed me to go back in time to meat, stew and late nights in a tavern with your friends. Tonight, this was not just a show, but a place for the community all here to share in a magnificent tale.
The atmosphere of the show was one of comfort, with plush red chairs and old wooden benches. It almost felt a little bit ramshackle and mismatched, but in the best way possible. And to have the show set in a working forge, surrounded by old stone and fire? I really want to commend Georgie Wolfe and Ryan Hamilton on the design and production of this show and understanding that it didn’t need to be grand, in fact being more simplistic allowed Nobis to shine in his chronicles.
The audience reactions very much mirrored that of my own, with all of us gasping and laughing as Nobis’ weaved his story. This accompanied by the relaxed costume and blacksmiths props helped to immerse us all in a world long gone. And it felt relaxing to escape back there, even if it was just for 60 minutes.
This show delicately expressed what it was to be theatrical and dramatic in a fantastical sense, and, as a lover of fantasy and poetry myself, this is something I would love to see more of in our theatre community today.
Beowulf Reforged is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and only has four sessions left. For tickets, book now @ https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/beowulf-reforged/
Remaining Sessions:-
• Wednesday, 9 October, 7:30PM
• Thursday, 10 October, 7:30PM
• Friday, 11 October, 7:30PM
• Saturday, 12 October, 7:30PM
For further information about Beowulf Reforged, please follow: https://linktr.ee/beowulf.reforged
Photographer: Jaimi Houston
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
