Review: Ubu Roi at the Barbican

Ubu Roi
Barbican (Silk Street Theatre)
Reviewed on Thursday 19th June 2014

Cheek By Jowl's Ubu Roi is possibly one of the hardest shows I have ever had the task of reviewing as it's been so long since I've seen such a weirdly dark and intoxicating piece of theatre. Described as a brutal satire about greed and the abuse of power, Alfred Jarry’s piece certainly doesn't shy away from making its mark.

As an audience member foreign language productions can be hard work, but this French language production is very cleverly put together. I only rarely glanced at the surtitles as the physical staging is absolutely mind blowing and I didn't want to miss a thing. The cast of French actors give striking performances in such physically demanding roles.

I'm concious of not giving too much away as I think it’s best to see Ubu Roi with a fresh and open mind. I had no idea what to expect and left with my jaw on the ground. Wild, unapologetic and fearless, this sometimes gruesome production isn't for everyone. The black comical style is very clever, some moments are genuinely very funny, but at times I think the audience also found themselves laughing to deal with shock and disgust.

Some could label it as sick (following its first performance in 1896 the piece was outlawed as it was simply too controversial), but Ubu Roi is the most creatively daring and bizarrely thrilling production I have seen all year. It is quite possibly the most extraordinary and engaging piece of physical theatre I have ever seen.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Ubu Roi runs at the Barbican until Sunday 22nd June 2014.
Please visit www.cheekbyjowl.com for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson 

Follow @West_End_Frame