REVIEW: THE NIGHT ALI DIED at Canal Cafe Theatre 8 - 10 May & on tour

'virtuoso performance that had all the elements of a blockbuster movie' ★★★★★

 The Night Ali Died is a one-man show, written and performed by Chris Sainton-Clark. This virtuoso performance of storytelling started with a gripping account of the life of a simple man with a dull job, until things began to change. This was a performer who with the minimal of props and a few well placed sound effects gave us a performance that had all the elements of a blockbuster movie. It was like watching a film and the whole audience were drawn into a world of crime, drama and comedy. 

After the initial outline of the story, given to us by Ali, the lights went down momentarily. Then another character appeared to give us an alternative version of the events. Then another, then another. With each additional person, we were treated to continual plot twists, with each adding another layer of understanding of just what was going on the night Ali died. The answer was drug dealing, violence, a crooked policeman, suspense and revenge.

The writing was very good and so too was the acting. The accents and mannerisms flowed so effortlessly from one character to the next, that at times, it was barely believable that there was only one person on stage. With a well toured piece like this, with its myriad of good reviews, awards and nominations you would by now expect the performance to be flawless. I'm sure it was, and I for one didn't notice anything wrong with it. I would highly recommend this to anyone. Even if it turns out not to be your thing, at 55 minutes and with all that was going on, the time will fly by regardless.

  Chris will be continuing his tour, showing off his talents in the hope that one day his material will be adapted for the screen. He also intends to record an album of his Pub Tales. Something we can all look forward to.

Written and performed by Chris Sainton-Clark

Directed by Rosanna Mallinson



Website of the performer here