Memmie le Blanc
Vitalstatistix
Old Queen's Theatre
Sat 23 Feb
Until Sat 8 March


The compelling true story on which Vitalstatistix's latest production is based is a legend that begs to be told, and indeed has been told in various different forms since it first emerged in the 18th Century. I guess the downside of basing a script on a stranger-than-fiction tale is that you need to somehow out-do the story slightly in order to still engage the audience beyond the actual plot.

Directed by Angela Chaplin and written by Hilary Bell, 'Memmie le Blanc' exceeds beyond expectations in many respects, but falls slightly short in others, which provides an interesting, thought provoking and inspiring night at the theatre.

The performances in this piece can only be describing as breathtaking. Anni Lindner, my new favourite actor, is a must see for any acting student or teacher. She completely nails her role as the confused and frustrated Memmie, being taught to believe in the foreign, restrictive etiquettes of 18th Century France. Lindner's interpretation was so impressively far from human, that it was almost frightening. Netta Yashchin portrays the widow who adopts Memmie, and while her performance is emotive and well done, the script restricted her ability to emotionally explore the character on stage.

Sete Tele as the scientist's (Adam McGurk) chimpanzee experiment was entertaining and memorable. He used the majestic four meter high frame erected on stage to climb on, showing off his simianesque dance and movement talent. Costumes were extravagant and beautiful, and accompanied by slightly bizarre musical outbursts, made for an entertaining outlook on such an ethical and philosophical play.

'Memmie le Blanc' encourages fascinating after-theatre conversations, and it's a Fringe night out I do recommend.

Bianca Weiler