The Glorious French Revolution (or: Why Sometimes it Takes a Guillotine to Get Anything Done) - a review

If history lessons had been more like this when I was growing up, I might just have paid a bit more attention to history that was older than The Great War. And I’m ashamed to say that even though I know Les Mis pretty well, can happily sing One More Day at the top of my lungs at my favourite piano bar in Soho, and was taught French from the age of 6 by my French next door neighbour, Mimi, and even my first boyfriend was a young Parisian (and oh so French), I know almost nothing about that period of history. I guess famine, death, a spendthrift king and queen, and a reign of terror don’t make for the best conversation.

If you’re expecting a BBC or ITV style period drama, this isn’t it. If you like your histories more Horrible than History Channel, but definitely for grown-ups, this one is for you. It is an experimental piece with more than a nod to absurdist theatre, but the cast of 5 know what they’re doing, and you’re in safe hands. Their high energy and absolute commitment to all the roles they play (and there are a lot and they interchange with each other seamlessly) coupled with innovative use of the small stage, interesting, if (deliberately) makeshift, props, great sound effects and lighting make for a  90-minute rollercoaster journey of the who, what, how and why of the French Revolutions (spoiler, there wasn’t just one). 

This production, brought to the stage by YESYESNONO was bonkers, fast-paced and fun, yet hard-hitting and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for something a bit different in an intimate setting, then you will enjoy this show. It’s not perfect; the last section didn’t quite land for me as well as it might (I had to read up on that bit of it), but, overall, the piece is brilliantly inventive, and it’ll give you something to tell your friends about afterwards and certainly something to ponder on your way home. Was it theatre, performance art or something else entirely? And why don't we know more about this history from our nearest neighbours. And if you've ever seen Les Mis on the stage or screen, then you really need to fill in the gaps in your knowledge with this play.

Tickets are a bargain £22. (See, theatre doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg, even in Central London). Playing until 14 December at the New Diorama (near Warren St tube). There’s also a charming cafe bar there. Tickets are available now from the New Diorama website.

[Tickets gifted to me with no expectation of a review.]