REVIEW: MAN OF 100 FACES at King’s Head Theatre 8 – 12 November

‘extraordinary work from the performer’ ★★★ ½

After a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, Man of 100 Faces, returned to King’s Head Theatre by popular demand. Promising to tell the true story of the greatest British Spy that ever lived, Saul Boyer plays all the roles which covers 100 characters in 1 hour.  It is undoubtedly a tour de force performance which ends with very prolonged applause from the audience in appreciation of such skilful play acting.

It ought to be a fascinating story, but it rushes along at such speed that there is no time for any depth of characterisation, or time for audiences to reflect. As such, it’s not for me, for there was nowhere for my mind to go. Of course, I noticed the extra-ordinary work from the performer, very ably directed by, Sam Rayner but I missed so many theatrical devices, such as subtext, character development, a denouement, and a substantial theme. 

Not for me, but clearly to be admired by those who don’t want to think or feel anything other than admiration for the speed with which the work is being performed and the fleeting glimpses of the story being told. Sadly, the current run is over, but it seems likely that this will not be last time the show is presented. 

MAN OF 100 FACES

Presented by Unleash the Llama

At King’s Head Theatre

Performer, Saul Boyer

Director, Sam Rayner

Twitter: @LlamaUnleash

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery, Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine