Theatre review: The Invisible Man
Star rating: ***
Venue: C nova (Venue 145)
It’s Chicago in the days of noir, and an overabundance of private eyes competes to describe the corrupt city in hard-boiled similes. One such investigator finds himself in a bar sat next to the famous Invisible Man, who proceeds to lay out his tale of woe. Naturally, it involves a dame.
Blabbermouth’s production is a lot of fun – their invisible man is brought to life through clever use of puppetry and costume, and the performances, while unpolished, are full of energy and humour. There are places where the script could use tightening up – one extended diversion with a reanimated fox fur is unnecessary and quickly outstays its welcome. Similarly, a saxophone played on two brief occasions shows off the cast’s various talents, but doesn’t really add anything that isn’t already accomplished by the jazzy soundtrack. Still, these niggles can be accepted as part of the show’s ramshackle, flying-by-seat-of-pants enthusiasm. If you get a chance during its short run, The Invisible Man deserves to be seen.
Until 19 August. Today 1pm.