One Man Star Wars Trilogy
Underbelly Productions
Underbelly’s Cow Barn @ 20:05 5th – 28th (not 14th – 24th) £12 (£10)
*****
Having recently read another publication in which someone, uninitiated with the Star Wars movies, was allowed to review and consequently scold Charlie Ross’ condensed sci-fi homage purely on the basis that they didn’t get it. I can’t help but feel the urge to reprimand them for their fraught attempt to find fault with his joyous performance. Let it be made clear; this show is for people who have seen, appreciate and enjoy Star Wars, and they are a strong force.

Ross slips effortlessly from one instantly recognisable character to another, touching upon favourite moments and embracing select set pieces. It’s such an energetic show that you have to excuse him a quick drink of water from time to time. He throws himself so vigorously into his compact interpretation that the front row were perfectly happy to be spat on.

Where viewing this with a good knowledge of the films and their culture truly pays off is through his many understated asides, often with reference to the prequel trilogy and the off-screen history of the Star Wars brand. Ross represents fight and battle sequences with skilful well-fashioned aplomb and his vocal skills from Vader to Yoda provide an excellent soundscape prompting images of the original scenes as he fires his way through.
Tantalising, hilarious, exhilarating, superb. A one man tour-de-force.

by Ian Phillips