War and Peace

Ryan Gladstone—Bandwidth Theatre

You pretty much know what to expect from the program. Ryan Gladstone proposes to cover one of history’s longest and most convoluted novels and its 632 characters in one hour. War and Peace is not light reading and following the plot as he races through the the complicated story is quite the challenge for both the actor and the audience. The multi-syllable Russian names makes this even more impressive and hilarious. He pauses numerous times to repeat the plot he has covered. I found his constantly repeating ‘632 characters- 1 hour’ annoying. Yes, we know. In the end, it was not so much of a recounting of the rich novel, but a feat of speed and memory. Exhausting for everyone concerned. Gladstone has brought some of the best quality works to the Fringe. This effort does not do him or Tolstoy justice.

Well worth seeing but not his best effort.

Lisa Campbell