There are some show that are destined to be good before you even see them, those shows are rare. What is rarer still is the opportunity to see something so unique, well crafted, and a genuine delight that it will leave you feeling amazed. UCLA Runaground theatre group have brought something in a world of its own with their new play Mr Kolpert, whatever you might think forget it…this play will give you reason so scream with joy that the Fringe can really deliver.
The Play
Mr Kolpert by David Gieselmann is centred on Ralph and Sarah, a non married couple, who are planning on a night in with some guest Bastian and Edith. It’s clear from the start that there is going to be a darkness to this black comedy stand out and leaves you intrigued through the first half of the play. As Bastian and Edith become increasingly more shocked by the revelations that Ralph and Sarah have said they have killed Mr Kolpert things go from bad to worse and the second half of the play is frantic, insane, and funny.
As a student production Mr Kolpert is without peer at the 2010 Fringe Festival. Creative, black, and crazy the script is a gem from start to finish. The scripts comes to life with a bang from a cast of actors who are simply stunning to watch, each brings a different dynamic performance to the play, they are tight as a group and work well. Their overall performance as a group comes across easy and it shows that they have worked hard at this black comedy and that has really plaid off. Matthew Hearle (Ralph) and Katrina Kennedy (Sarah) give very convincing performances as the bord couple, there scenes together are warm and at times a little sadistic, yet it remains fun at the same. Evan Milton (delivery boy) further increases the level of tension and humour and Julian Harvard-Barnes (Bastian) and Hanna Berry (Edith) bring the final perfect dynamic to the production.
I am glad I got to see from a group of students who genuinely need to be congratulated on bring such an amzingly crafted play that they have brought to life with passion and commitment. What makes this play more than the usual fare is that so much attention has been put into the set, direction, and sound that for an hour your forget that this is a blank fringe stage that will change face in an hour for another play.
‘Mr Kolpert is a black comedy that is so professional it is really at the very top of the best of Fringe 2010 If I could give an award to any show at the fringe (which would be hard trust me) then I would award Mr Kolpert by Runaground Best Student Fringe Show of 2010. If this is the standard of what they are offering their fringe audience in 2010 I can not wait for 2011!’
C soco (studio 1) 4-30 Aug at 12:15 (1hr00)
Tickets £7.50-£9.50 / concessions £6.50-£8.50
Recommended age 12+ To book tickets call 0845 260 1234.
