A Montage of Monet – Greenside, George Street (Mint Studio)

Thinking of Claude Monet, the famous French impressionist painter, I think of lilies, beautiful gardens, and weeping willows.  I will not pretend to be an art connoisseur, but Monet’s paintings elicit a feeling of tranquillity.  Written by playwright Joan Greening, whose background lies in teaching Art History, with past plays including ‘The Rape of Artemisia Gentileschi’, ‘Rossetti’s Women’ and ‘At Home With The Bronte’s’ available to watch on Scenesaver – https://www.joangreening.com/#/at-home-with-the-brontes/.

Greening’s collaboration with Stephen Smith (a remarkable character actor), brings Monet the man to life.  Beginning towards the end of Monet’s life when cataracts cause his eyesight to deteriorate, he tells the tale of his life, painting, his romantic loves, and his struggle with poverty in his early years.  Dressed in a cap and period clothes, Smith’s challenge is to convince the audience that he is an elderly gentleman in his 80’s (Monet, was 86 when he died), but he is more than up to the task, and we are transported back to 1920’s France, to enjoy this exploration of Monet’s life.

This piece is excellently written by Greening, as at no point is prior knowledge of Monet needed, and not simply concentrating on Monet’s work, helps to bring a human element to the play.  Smith demonstrates Monet’s strength of character, to not simply follow what is popular at the time, as he will not succumb to pressure to paint in an academic way.  This is carried through into his love life, and we see a tender Monet, with a leaning towards stubbornness.

In this small studio theatre, there is no space for a large set, but the slides of photographs of Monet’s painter friends and their paintings, and Monet’s own paintings bring context to the show.

You do not need to come into this show with a degree in Art History, Greening, and Smith’s play invite’s everyone along with no assumed knowledge.  Smith’s experience in solo performances shines through in this piece, it is definitely worth an hour of your time.  To book go to – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22A%20Montage%20of%20Monet%22, the play runs until the 17^th August (not 11^th).  Also, checkout Threedumb Theatre’s play ‘One Man Poe’ (split into two shows) running from 2^nd August until the 24^th August (not 11^th or 18^th), go to the Edinburgh Fringe Society website for further details.

Reviewer: Caroline Worswick

Reviewed: 2^nd August 2024

North West End UK Rating: