Boisterous, bonkers and brilliant: Told by an Idiot presents Napoleon Disrobed: A Comic Alternative History at the Arcola Theatre.Based on Simon Leys' novel, The Death of Napoleon, this performance offers up a parallel universe where Napoleon escapes exile in St Helena by swapping identity with Eugene (with an ‘e’: why not?), a character with no title or social standing who – luckily – looks exactly like Napoleon.
Eugene is played by the insanely talented Ayesha Antoine, who also portrays all the other characters that Napoleon meets on his incognito adventure; most notably Ostrich the watermelon seller. Paul Hunter, who is also the Artistic Director of the company (now celebrating its 25th year), is superb in the title role: the pair are simply a joy to watch.
Silliness is at the heart of this production, directed by award-winning actress and director Kathryn Hunter. Antoine offers paper hats to a number of audience members as they enter the auditorium, which have an excellent and surprisingly poignant use later in the production. Hunter introduces the show as the live recording of University Challenge and dons a red wig taken out of a bucket centre stage, upon which he sits to complete his transformation into Jeremy Paxman. The audience interaction is testament to Hunter’s quick wit and his gameshow hosting has everyone in stitches; smiles and laughter are firm fixtures throughout the evening. Hunter rounds off this slightly baffling introduction/ tangent with “And now back to Napoleon, in case you’re wondering where this evening is going.”
It is never truly about Napoleon, however. It is a more general perusal of identity and status that takes every comedic opportunity and then wedges in a few more perplexing funny moments to boot - including a game of ‘pan pong’ with watermelons and an unnecessary pillow fight that feel a little clunky.
Michael Vale’s ingenious set enhances the physical comedy for which this company is well-known. The stage, seemingly a simple wooden platform, transforms with the flick of a few latches into a rocking boat, a rickety hotel (complete with faulty key card system), the Eurostar and even Marie-Antoinette’s ginormous bed. One of the highlights is Napoleon, disguised as Eugene the cabin boy, trying to get breakfast to the captain in a fierce storm, with Antoine using her entire body to ‘rock’ the stage as Hunter scrambles precariously around the deck.
Hunter’s direction is intelligent and fast-paced; Hunter and Antoine are masters of characterisation and physical comedy and Vale’s set is truly brilliant. This is a powerhouse combination diluted by a weak narrative, yet still most certainly worth seeing. Entertaining and charming with a whole lot of silly.
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