Theatre offers many things that film and TV cannot; the intimacy, the unpredictability of live performance, or the thrill of seeing work that would never be commissioned elsewhere. But what theatre can’t usually offer is the fast scene changes or different camera angles. Until now that is, as the Lecoq trained Voloz Collective bring The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much to the Pleasance Dome at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
This film noir style theatre production follows the story of advertising executive Roger, a man who’s life is built on routine, until one day, when Roger is running uncharacteristically late, his office building is blown up. Roger then embarks on a thrilling chase across the globe (and at one point in to space) to track down the criminals he believes tried to kill him.
This very unique production uses highly skilled physical theatre to create a cinematic experience. The company are constantly shifting shapes and positions to create the different scenes which Roger is experiencing. With very few props, Voloz Collective create a multitude of objects out of things like newspapers or hats.
This makes The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much visually stunning, the audience need to have their eyes glued to the stage throughout, not just because this gripping thriller is a genuine mystery, but because there’s so much happening you won’t want to miss a single move.
Paul Lofferon is magical in the role of Roger, with an incredible ability to say so much with a simple raise of the eyebrow or sideway glance. The many other characters are played beautifully by the three remaining members of the Voloz Collective; Emily Wheatman, Sam Rayner and Olivia Zerphy.
What’s wonderful about this company is that the four members not only perform the show, they have also written, produced and directed it. This hard working company are at Edinburgh Fringe for the first time and they have smashed it, The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much is a delight from start to finish.
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