Review: The Players of Dieudoné at Lion and Unicorn Theatre until 2 July 2022



‘An exceptionally imaginative piece; here to revamp modern day theatre’ ★★★★ ½

"In a faraway kingdom exists a troupe of performers and their deadly ruler – King Dieudoné – an unwavering maniac who has forced them to perform the same play, night after night, for the rest of their days: the vain dramatisation of his own life."

Look out London, Hideout Theatre Company's new devised show ‘The Players of Dieudoné’ is an exceptionally imaginative piece; here to revamp modern day theatre. Using tricks and traits from farcical comedy and commedia dell'arte, it manages to tell the story of a kingdom in a far off land with bold ideas and universal themes- something that feels born from a past period in time; grounded in modern day society. Someone from the audience said to me:- “It’s like the Canterbury Tales meets Horrible Histories.” And after some thought, I can really see where they’re coming from. I'd highly recommend this production to anyone who's looking to expand from "the norm" and seek out something new.

This group of 2021 graduates from the Guildford School of Acting show that they know their craft, with clear staging, technique and storytelling. Props go out to all of the actors and company members, bringing something different to every character and reeling you into their story. Chloe Cooper and Emily Cundick had impeccable presence throughout as the lovable hero ‘Huzzah’ and musical hard-nut ‘Colonel Knobby’. It's very hard to take your eyes off them when they're up there. As well as Tijan Sarr, accent extraordinaire, ageing to play his part "Polonius" with ease.

The direction was noticeable from William Homer, King Dieudoné himself- it's clear that he created a comfortable atmosphere for his cast; allowing them to be free and produce their best work when creating the material together.

Maybe some of the timing was off comically, but in a play that's reeling out the laughs- you've got to credit this young group of creatives and a brand new production on its opening night for being so slick. I do wonder what a version would look like at just over an hour long, without an interval. Whether it's possible for more adjustment- in that regard. But that's obviously just subjective preference. Overall, I believe there’s something in it for everyone. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and there are some great twists plotted throughout!

I hope that people see what the Hideout Theatre Company are doing here, as I've not seen a play like it made for many years. I sincerely hope it's snapped up for the wider world in the months and years to come! (It should be inevitable…)

The Players of Dieudoné by Hideout Theatre Company

Lion and Unicorn Theatre

29 June – 2 July 2022

Box Office https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com/whats-on

Review by Evan L. Barker

Evan L. Barker is an alumnus from East 15 (2021.) Prior to training- he'd been immersed in the industry since the age of seven. The writing bug hit at the age of seventeen- writing his first play and a year later producing and directing it at The Volcano Theatre in Swansea (May 2018.) Evan is also now based in London and co-founder of "The Shed Theatre Company" where he wants to facilitate theatre that's thought provoking, progressive and accessible.