REVIEW: Exit The King

REVIEW: Exit The King

Chippen Street Theatre, hidden away in a back lane in Chippendale on the northern side of Cleveland Street, has bravely taken on Ionesco’s absurdist farce, Exit The King, written in 1962.

At a time when he thought he was going to die, Ionesco wrote this work that explores the metaphysical question of the best way to die.

When King (Leof Kingsford-Smith) is told his domain is disintegrating and he is going to die, he refuses to accept his impending death.

He has an entourage helping him along the way. They include his first wife, the imperious Queen Marguerite (Kirsty Jordan) and the doctor (Gerry Sont).

His first wife, the every-tearful Queen Marie (Clay Crighton), attempts to reassure him he is not dying and all will be well.

Around these raging royal emotions is the eccentric maid, played with John Cleese-like spasticity by Alison Windsor, who provides much of the visual wit in this production.

Josef Schneider plays the role of the guard.

Director Anna Jahjah wrings maximum mania from this talented cast, whose ensemble work was terrific.

The circle marked out on the floor of the stage marked the limits of the characters’ world, and their frenetic marching around the edges serves to emphasise the little world they really inhabit.

If I have one comment to make, it is that the King’s costume – shorts and t-shirt – seemed unnecessarily informal. 

Chippen Street Theatre is one of several small theatres that are serving their audiences well with some really interesting and offbeat productions on offer. 

This is one of them.

Until Mar 16. Chippen Street Theatre, Level One, 45 Chippen Street, Chippendale. $28-$38+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.chippenstreet.com

 

Reviewed by Irina Dunn

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