There is a certain reputation that follows an artist. That of heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, fiendish, womanising pirate. An individual who cannot seem to gather together inspiration unless he (and it is always a he) sleeps with a different person on every day of the week.
A rather unfair and completely untrue observation: they also like classical music and eat hummus by the bucket load.
Beast presents the audience with an ageing artist and his muse - a young, beautiful ‘lady'. When they meet they fall into one another and love, eventually, takes them. Though, as life so cruelly dictates, things cannot be this way forever.
I am a bit of a sucker for poetry and words in general. This play has that in abundance. But it's more than that - this play is a poem in itself.
Words, images and pure emotion combine to create something so beautiful that you wish the whole world could experience and imitate its elegance. I was a little bit dubious at first as I felt the language was too poetic. Even pretentious at times. But, like anything good, if you stick with it you will find reward.
The performances are perfect. The chemistry between the two actors both rage like fire and trickle like water. A force of nature.
This show has been given four stars because I'm not sure it will be for everybody and, if I'm honest, the beginning is a little slow. However, in my heart, it is a five star and I recommend anyone with an open mind and soul to see it.
Times: 8-31 August (not 17 & 24)