Slaves, Romans, and a countryman all ask you to lend your ears to a 70 minute romp involving a pompous emperor with a promiscuous daughter, a senator who is part of a bickering couple, a strange pair of slaves - one more Rowan (Atkinson) than roman - and a nubile female slave who joins the household just as a sensitive young man arrives in Rome to become a proper roman. Follow him as he learns lessons in life and finds himself falling for the beautiful slave girl Melissa.
This is a bit of a mishmash of a show. It contains good characterisations, some excellent choreography, humour, and some good lines and unconected pop songs.
Both male slaves are very good: Tom Pyke as Clemens has a face for comedy reminiscent of Rowan Atkinson, and the older, manic slave gets the most from his part, with his dancing a highlight.
The use of pop songs, while now accepted as part of the West End musical scene, still strikes me as a short cut and the choice here was not very subtle.
There were no flaws in the casting and the dancing was of a high standard on a tight stage. The absence of a rake in the hall was a drawback when the action was close to the stage. Overall this is an enjoyable show for the over fourteen age group.
Show times
28 Aug, various times (see Fringe programme)
Ticket prices
£5-£8