The Fringe in recent years has become dominated by a selection of high profile venues and so it was good to go to a show being held in a traditional small Fringe venue, to return to what the Fringe is all about – namely anybody can come and perform, professional and non-professional. Staging small productions at affordable prices, like Bacon/Lautrec is what encapsulates the essence of the Fringe.
The show deals with two painters, both of whom were on a self-destructive path. Francis Bacon ("for me, chaos suggests images") enhanced his melancholia by drinking excessively and engaging in sado-masochistic practices. Henri Toulouse-Lautrec on the other hand was besotted with the low life of Paris, became an alcoholic and developed syphilis.
Michael Clay (portraying Bacon) and Ben Cave (as Lautrec) created a convincing performance of these artists – not an easy task when working on a small stage. They engaged the audience effectively in the story of the characters’ (almost) tragic lives.Bacon “brought his subjects to death” whilst Lautrec – with his bon viveur attitude – “brought his subjects to life.”
Times: 1.30pm, 13,15,17 August.