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Review of Dan Leno – The King’s Jester
Apr 2, 2009
Review of Dan Leno – The King’s JesterGeorgian Theatre Royal Richmond
Tony Liddington leaves the stage looking physically and mentally drained as we are left to listen to a crackling recording of Dan Leno singing Hard Boiled Egg. The audience silent after the power of the story as Dan Leno’s life has unfolded before us.
This is Tony Liddington at his best, after seeing his one man show Grimaldi a couple of years ago I never imagined he could come up with another show to equal it, but he has.
This story does not tell of Dan Leno at the height of his career, but joins him in Baldwyn’s Park mental institute in March 1904, 6 months before his death. Dan Leno is introduced to the audience, who play the part of staff and fellow patients, by his doctor, Malcolm Boyle, who as musical director accompanies Dan Leno throughout.
Liddington takes us through various stages of Leno’s life, which shows Dan Leno’s ability as a talented actor and comic, but also returns to the torment he is in towards the end of his life.
The second half opens with Dan Leno as a Panto Dame and tells us of the great tradition he started. Liddington’s ability to create the character and tell their story is outstanding. The production is enhanced by the excellent set design by Simon Pell and the brilliant costuming by Sil Sargeant Bennett.
Dan Leno, The King’s Jester can be seen at Durham’s Gala Theatre on Sunday, May 10 at 7.30pm.
A J Harrison