theatre review

We Can’t Reach You, Hartford

The American Story Project

Sad Clowns, missing children and a flaming big top, this is theatre which walks on the weird side. Rather than elaborate fantasy, the bizarre and confusing events which make up this tale are based on the true story of the Hartford Circus fire of 1944, a tragedy in which at least 168 circus-goers died. Flashing by in a startling 45 minutes, the play’s greatest strength lies in the passion of the actors for their tale: because they care, we do too. Whilst their attempts to make sense of the confusion were at times almost drowned out by the overly loud circus music, the play remains a bizarre, chilling and melancholy success. And if you hate clowns, it’s well worth a look.

Bedlam Theatre, 7-12, 14-19 Aug, 5:10pm , £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 214

tw rating: 3/5

published: Aug-2006

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