Don Quixote – Assembly Rooms

Clowning around, Finnish-style (remember they like naked saunas), includes a tiny bit of acrobatic bum exposure and a splash of front bottom gymnastics. So, if bottoms are off the table for you, give this one a miss.

However, I liked it. Not the bum cheeks (or the dangly bits) in particular. I liked the whole thing. There was certainly a lot of energy from the two performers, Timo Ruuskanen as Don Quixote and Tuukka Vasama as his side-kick Sancho Panza. Red Nose Company combines physical comedy, live music and witty gags. They create a warm welcome with their painted faces, red curtains and interactive banter. Their commitment to their audience and their story is clear to see.

The duo has been on tour since 2008. They perform in four languages: English, Swedish, Spanish and Finnish. In Finland, they were voted Theatre of the Year in 2023. Audience sensitivity means each show is a little different, with improvisation being key to its overall success.

The audience willingly volunteered to pelt rotten tomatoes and joyously participated, if shyly, in other ways. This kind of show demands multi-faceted skills. The performers must read the audience and create a safe space for participation.

Ruuskanen and Vasama got a well-deserved, joyous round of applause at the end.

Creating a sixty-minute show from a 1000-page novel published in 1605 is no mean feat and for that alone, they deserve praise.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 12th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: