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‘ Movie Movie …..a world that is even more bizarre than that of the slapstick silent films in manically burlesques…performed with verve and skill ‘. 

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ARCHIVE  Theatre Totale   A devised production, a fusion of the photographic image and performance inspired the work of Buster Keaton and his study of theatre and photography.                                                                                                                                                                                      

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ARCHIVE  Theatre Totale   A devised production, a fusion of the photographic image and performance inspired the work of Buster Keaton and his study of theatre and photography.                                                                                                                                                                                      

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THE GUARDIAN      'Movie Movie .....a world that is even more bizarre than that of the slapstick silent films it manically burlesques ..performed with verve and skill'.

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THE GRADUATE . Brighton Fringe. Producer and Director 

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THE GRADUATE . Brighton Fringe. Producer and Director 

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http://fringereview.co.uk/review/brighton-fringe/2013/the-graduate/

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Review: https://stratmastoris.wordpress.com/reviews-2013/

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ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST REHEARSALS AT KOMEDIA 

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ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST REHEARSALS AT KOMEDIA 

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PHOTOS OF CAST IN REHEARSALS AT KOMEDIA

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FUSION THEATRE COMPANY                    Greek by Steven Berkoff directed and choreographed
by Rikki Tarascas

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL TIMES

REVIEW :

‘Behind the closely gathered mayhem is a script verbose at times but generally lyth. Releasing it is a superlative cast ! This is alternative theatre near to a conceivable peak.’

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ARCHIVE               FUSION THEATRE COMPANY.Formed the Company in Manchester in 80's .....a fusion of two companies Theatre Totale & No Alternative to produce Greek by Steven Berkoff directed and choreographed by Rikki Tarascas . 

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ARCHIVE               FUSION THEATRE COMPANY.Formed the Company in Manchester in 80's .....a fusion of two companies Theatre Totale & No Alternative to produce Greek by Steven Berkoff directed and choreographed by Rikki Tarascas . 

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THE SCOTSMAN at the Edinburgh Festival
REVIEW :

‘Berkoff’s play as directed by Fusion’s Rikki Tarascas is fabulous…....a strong intellectual piece performed with intelligence & marvellous lucidity.’

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ARCHIVE              Fusion & Kaboodle Rasputin the Forbidden Story.                            Co Director, Deviser & Actor. ACE funded Physical Theatre Production   LEICESTER MAIL            Review :                                 

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ARCHIVE              Fusion & Kaboodle Rasputin the Forbidden Story.                            Co Director, Deviser & Actor. ACE funded Physical Theatre Production   LEICESTER MAIL            Review :                                 

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' powerful drama and hilarious comedy ..seldom are such dramatic mood changes accomplished so effectively. Profound ,ironic, hilarious, always a triumph of dramatic art in its purest form . With few props and a stark set Fusion and Kaboodle achieve an evocative and spellbinding show '

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ARCHIVE              Fusion & Kaboodle  

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ARCHIVE              Fusion & Kaboodle  

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Rasputin the Forbidden Story

Co Director Deviser & Actor . ACE funded

Touring Physical Theatre production

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS Review

‘Rasputin is a highly imaginative piece of theatrical storytelling from the collaboration of Fusion & Kaboodle…..energy  style & strong physical performances form the basis of the production packed with incident & invention’

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ARCHIVE                  Dual Company's  FUSION & KABOODLE  Resident Company's based at South Hill Park Arts Centre.                                     Co Director, Deviser & Actor . ACE funded Physical Theatre production of RASPUTIN THE FORBIDDEN STORY .                           LEICESTER MERCURY Review of touring show           

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ARCHIVE                  Dual Company's  FUSION & KABOODLE  Resident Company's based at South Hill Park Arts Centre.                                     Co Director, Deviser & Actor . ACE funded Physical Theatre production of RASPUTIN THE FORBIDDEN STORY .                           LEICESTER MERCURY Review of touring show           

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' A highly original production at Leicester Haymarket, a stylish production by the dual company Fusion and Kaboodle. The cast really are faultless. Rikki Tarascas gives an impeccable performance'

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Music Video directed for Pato Banton and Musical Youth 

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Music Video directed for Pato Banton and Musical Youth 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzx6_uaDJ_c

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https://brightonjournal.co.uk/artist-of-the-week-rikki-tarascas/

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Bess the Commoner Queen Promo Video Link .

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Bess the Commoner Queen Promo Video Link .

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTzwx_-i6lI

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DIRECTOR & SET DESIGN
REVIEW
From: "Jeremy Malies"

Date: 26 October 2006 19:03:15 BDT

Cc: "sean o'kane" <lewesrep@btinternet.com>, <alex@vivalewes.com>

Subject: Plays International

Amid the ballyhoo that surrounded Harold Pinter’s Nobel laureateship, a perceptive citation stressed how the plays underline “the hide-and-seek of interlocution.” It’s an aspect of the writing that is treated brilliantly by Rikki Tarascus in a production ofThe Caretaker.

The piece marked the debut of the Lewes Repertory Theatre at the town’s All Saints Arts Centre. Best known for his work with Theatre Totale, Tarascus explores the peek-a-boo element of the plot by using every inch of the venue, a converted church, such that the brothers observe Davies at all times from the voms, overhead walkways and even an organ loft. He has no respite; the innovative staging ratchets up the menace and makes the occasional moments of physical intimacy all the more powerful.

The production is anchored on outstanding work from Phil Rhodes as Mick and S.J. O’Kane as the tramp. Rhodes’ abundant technical resources allow him to convey his madness using subtle gesture within seconds of his entrance. He appears brooding and predatory at all times and hardly has a slack moment.

Similarly, O’Kane’s interpretation of Davies teems with innovative touches including a monologue in which he interacts with the audience using a vacuum cleaner as a microphone. It’s an inspired turn but at other times O’Kane treads delicately through the hinterland that divides comedy from psychological breakdown. The laughs are there but are reined in judiciously.

However unusual the staging, the treatment remains rigorously textual and there is justification in Pinter’s directions for all of the innovations, notably the way in which the brothers are empowered by the unusual amount of movement.

Tarascus makes extensive use of incidental music ranging from Tchaikovsky to ragtime, the incantatory nature of a final jazz number contributing to the tension. When a disturbed spectator began dancing like a marionette in the interval, the atmosphere approached bedlam and the narrative seemed to inhabit the whole building. I doubt I will see a more original version of the play.

Lewes, a town so well served for opera, now has a dynamic repertory company which will be performing a piece every two months. Chekhov’s The Bear is to be staged later this year.

* * *

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A Mexican Ghost Story

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La Llorona .A MEXICAN GHOST STORY produced by Amy Solis & Rikki Tarascas.EXCERPTS ONLY

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ART DIRECTOR for MUSIC VIDEO          Matt Baker's  -The Man Who Stole My Life.

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ART DIRECTOR for MUSIC VIDEO          Matt Baker's  -The Man Who Stole My Life.

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Made Miniature Set

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MATT BACKER - 'The Man Who Stole My Life'

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Music Video directed for Ren

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ivQwwgW4OY

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A SITE SPECIFIC INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE  that led the audience through a ritual exploring the line between life and death. Inspired by the story of the Golem and Mexican cultural influences .The show emerged from a devising process that was then set in a poetic narrative written by writer Kevin Fegan.

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transfers to Komedia ,Brighton

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Having recently won the 2011 Brighton Fringe Festival Audience Award for their adaptation of Dale Wasserman's play of the classic Ken Kesey novel - the company's work proved to be a catalyst for the Komedia.

Marina Kobler, Artistic Director of the Komedia, said: "We haven't been involved in theatre for over a year but this wonderfully realised version of the play, proved a spur for us, and it has been a pleasure to bring the show to the Komedia."

The play skilfully, and often comically, uncovers the dehumanising affects of society's labelling and incarceration of individuals in mental institutions.

Although an ensemble piece, the performance particularly focuses on the impact of Randle P McMurphy (Dodger Phillips) who, to escape prison, feigns madness and ends up in the Institute.

McMurphy, a freewheeling gambling man with a zest for women, brings vigour, life and chaos into the sterile, conformist environment of the mental institution.

In doing so, he starts to defy the implacable authority of the 'Establishment', embodied by Nurse Ratched (Sarah Barfoot).

A struggle that gradually restores to his fellow patients - but particularly 'Chief' Bromden (Gordon Winter) the 'mute' narrator of the drama - the dignity and voice they had long since given up.

"The work is funny, dramatic, tragic, but ultimately redemptive, and although written in the 1960's the piece has a resonance for a 21st century audience. As we increasingly find ourselves in a society that has both become progressively atomised and seen a significant rise in mental illness", said Rikki Tarascas, the Company Director.

"It is a fabulous piece of theatre that shines with humanity - being at once a challenge to, and reflective of, the wonderfully absurd and magnificent world we inhabit"

Set up in 2010 by Laurie Cannon, Rikki Tarascas and Sarah Barfoot, the Brighton based production company was brought to life with the intention of establishing Tanglehead as the South East's premier theatre company through a combination of dynamic energy and experimental approach to live performance fusing music, theatre and film.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest @ Komedia Brighton until 22nd January - For more info visit
komedia.co.uk/brighton
by: Mike Cobley

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Brighton Magazine - One Flew Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest: Award Winning Theatre Comes To Komedia Brighton

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Having recently won the 2011 Brighton Fringe Festival Audience Award for their adaptation of Dale Wasserman's play of the classic Ken Kesey novel - the company's work proved to be a catalyst for the Komedia.

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Dr Faustus : The Imaginarium . Director & Producer 

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Dr Faustus : The Imaginarium . Director & Producer 

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Review: Outstanding Show

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Dr faustus The Imaginarium - Google Search

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13 Nov 2016 ... [Fig 1.1] Promotional poster for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus .... edition of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.

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Producer,Director ,Song,Writer & Performer

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Brighton Source - Ritual To Revolution Review

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Mind blowing theatre from Tanglehead Productions, Ritual To Revolution combines visual arts, music, and performance in an unconventional show at St Andrew's Church.

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Writer Director & Co-Producer .SHORT FILM

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COURIER- A spin painter and cycle courier discovers that he's delivering human body parts. His life and art meet in a final crescendo of paint and blood. The script for Courier won the Alfred Hitchcock Script Writing Award .A short film shot on Super 16, the script gained financial support for production from Waltham Forest Arts Council, The London Film & Video Development Agency and VET.

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Courier.                 16mm Short Film .                Writer,Director,Co-Producer Rikki Tarascas .

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Courier.                 16mm Short Film .                Writer,Director,Co-Producer Rikki Tarascas .

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Winner of THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK AWARD for Screen Writing.
Funded by LFVDA

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The story of Luke Woo, a spin painter and cycle courier who delivers human body parts and is drawn i

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest .5 Star Review .Winner of The Audience Choice Award .Brighton Fringe 

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest .5 Star Review .Winner of The Audience Choice Award .Brighton Fringe 

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2011 Performed at The Happy Cell a Black Glass Modern Office Block and Then Transferred for a sell out run to The Main Space at The Komedia ,Brighton .

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Low Down

'When charming rogue Randle P. McMurphy serves a sentence inside a state mental institution he realises he has not taken the easy way out. He clashes with head nurse Ratched and leads the detainees in a revolt. As his antics escalate the institution decides to finally 'fix' him.

Tanglehead explore how authoritarian, repressive regimes rely on fear to control individuals.'

Review

It is not often one finds them self in a place such as The Happy Cell Factory in Hove; a place dedicated to help those who are struggling to live a healthy life with classes of yoga, meditation,Qi Gong, Shiatsu, dance, singing.

I can see now see why it was a inspired venue choice by director Rikki Tarascas. The idea of seeing one of my all time favourite books/plays and films performed live in a site-specific setting was a no brainer for me when deciding what to watch this year and I was not disappointed.

It seems my choices of shows which I have seen this year so far have proved some of the best theatre I have had the pleasure of watching.

Tanglehead Productions version of Dale Wasserman's 'One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest' truly captivates and admits the audience to the facility before they have even entered the building with terrifically improvised characters.

From Nurse Beaver, to the many doctors including 'doctors who are not doctors but, believe they are doctors'.

Holding the rails and following the red line along the floor I was a little unsure what to expect. ushered into the reception where I was given a wrist band with 'my name' on...Rod Stewart...lovely.

I follow the line of other bewildered and nervous audience members to where we were given blue slip-on shoe covers and given our medication.

I was involved and beginning to lose myself in this bazaar medical facility. We are shown to a studio, a long clinical looking room. chairs in two rows on either side the curable, non-curable thank the lord I was on the curable side at least I could leave if I wanted to.

In front of me sat 'Sean Connery' the first to spot 'Chief' played by Gordon Winter rocking in a chair. Soon the rest of the inmates entered instantly creating relationships with the audience, everyone of them interacting and perfectly acted. Clearly a lot of time and attention to detail was taken when casting Dodger Phillips and his band of merry men.

Though each one of the characters presented has a interesting look, every actor bursts with energy and stage presence. The use of live musical accompaniment by Ben Kidd, Elliot Spring and Rikki Tarascas is beautifully placed.

The ominous rumble every time the wonderfully stern 'Nurse Ratched' played by Sarah Barfoot enters the scene. With her she brings the clinical 'house' lighting which washes away all sense of atmosphere created by low wall lights, the drums and sound effects of 'Chiefs' monologues to 'Pupa'.

When 'Randal Patrick McMurphy' played by Dodger Phillips enters the room fills with energy once again, The characters burst to life revelling in the new addition to their 'council'.

Relationships and character dynamics are explored and tested with his introduction. Breaking the norm and encouraging a sense of anarchy Dodger plays and fits 'McMurphy' wonderfully.

A reservation I had as I sat anticipating his entrance was, 'I hope he doesn't just try to emulate Jack Nicklson's portrayal'. He did not.

Instead he brought McMurphy to life much like the other performer had done with the like of Jason Kennedy as 'Billy' and Xelis De Toro's perfectly comedic 'Martini'.

I must stress how captivating all the inmates were to watch every single one able to hold the attention of any of the audience. At times the space was filled with such mayhem that it was impossible to give all the time needed to really appreciate the efforts the actors were making, However, it was not for nothing as it was needed and made for an exciting and believable act. During the Interval the improvisation was carried throughout, led, it seemed, by 'Nurse Beaver' who was hilarious, supported by a host of wonderful doctors and nurses.

Back into a different studio space for the second act, in the basement of the 'facility' this time. Again the audience on either side of the space creating a through way down the middle with Nurse Ratched's medicine station at one end and the poker table at the other.

More improvisation ensued with one audience member being restrained and carried out (Believably I might add).

It was the small details like this which made the whole experience believable and I am sure I am not the only one who found their attention rapt through out the duration of the two hour experience.

I use the term 'experience' rather than 'performance' now as Tanglehead's production is more than a group of players entertaining an audience, they ARE Scanlon, Ruckly, Harding and Cheswick to name a few.

The second act kept pace and the build up to the party was gratefully met with appreciation for Tarascas directing of the part scene itself. The party scene accompanied by the band and then a live version of 'You don't know me' beautifully sung by Ellen Capron playing Sandra.

In slow motion all the characters revel in their debauchery led by McMurphy serving the drinks and Cheswick administrating the 'medication'. This scene is so heart warming and poignant I wish I could have joined in! As this band of merry (unlikely) men celebrate the emancipation of 'Billy's' virginity the whole scene was brilliant and captivating.

It is true to say Tarascas is a puppet master, a emotional engineer, able to inspire and evoke the most fantastic emotional journeys for the audience through his actors. Without the 'party scene' or in fact any of the above taking place, being felt or experienced the final scenes would be nothing more than actors playing the last lines out like any normal 'play'. But this production of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' is not just a normal play. Not by any means.

The scenes leading to the end were believable and emotionally charged and the scream of 'Nurse Ratched' pierces the atmosphere and the audience is thrust into what seems like a whole other experience, like losing a friend McMurphy lays on the bed lifeless.

The experience finished with tears and a standing ovation. The performers beaming with pride and maybe a little relief take a bow on a VERY well deserved applause. It is without a doubt worthy of a residency at the Happy Cell Factory, a national tour, or if a venue could be found a run in the West End. I would love nothing more than for this experience to be a regular and well marketed experience for all.

My only disappointment was the reaction to what happens to 'Billy'. This here was the only moment I felt (a little) let down, maybe it was the script as the acting from Sarah Barfoot and scenes to follow were faultless and as mentioned the scream is haunting. Maybe a little blood might have carried on the realism of the experience.

Each and everyone of the performers involved are exceptional and should be proud of not only themselves but the whole show. I am sure Mr Rikki Tarascas is a proud and happy man!

This should be the 'pick of the fringe' this year, it should be nominated for an award and I hope it is not sold out so I am able to take my friends and tell everyone I meet during the festival to buy a ticket in advance because once word gets out they might need a bigger facility.

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'When charming rogue Randle P. McMurphy serves a sentence inside a state mental institution he realises he has not taken the easy way out. He clashes with head nurse Ratched and leads the detainees in a revolt. As his antics escalate the institution decides to finally 'fix' him.

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Transferred to Man Space at The Komedia Brighton

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It is a brave company that takes on Ken Kesey's literary masterpiece One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

Revered by avid readers and moviegoers, it is one of those stage adaptations that some feel should not be touched.

Yet Brighton-based Tanglehead Productions' take on the story, which follows Randle P McMurphy serving a sentence inside a state mental institution, brings a new and exciting take on the classic.

Kudos must go to the director Rikki Tarascas on the use of the Komedia venue in Brighton.

With the audience on both sides, performance areas created in and above the audience, and paying members of the public involved throughout, the feeling was that you were with the cast, rather than observing them.

This was further extended into the interval as medical staff wandered around the audience encouraging people to become "medicated".

A sluggish start - perhaps put down to first night nerves - was overcome and very quickly the ball was rolling with the comedy sequences particularly well received.

Dodger Phillips as McMurphy was excellent and the supporting cast of patients in the "loony bin" each brought their own take on what living with mental health issues must be like, even now when the stigma is tackled head on rather than hidden away.

On the whole, much like the medication, it was a thoroughly captivating performance which got more addictive as it went on.

To be picky, questions could be raised about the accents used and some of the vocal and musical interludes.

But overall it was clear how the thought-provoking production received the audience choice award at Brighton Festival Fringe last year.

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One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, Komedia, Brighton, January 19

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It is a brave company that takes on Ken Kesey's literary masterpiece One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Revered by avid readers and moviegoers, it is one of those stage adaptations that some feel should not be touched.

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FACEBOOK PAGE
General Examples of Some Past work including music videos' etc

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Producer Director, Performer Facebook Page for Brighton Festival Production 2017

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Review of production at Guildhall Theatre, Derby, 2017

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Kevin Fegan

Guildhall Theatre, Derby

From 28 September 2017 to 01 October 2017

Review by Steve Orme

Michelle Todd as Bess

When Michelle Todd handed playwright Kevin Fegan a short biography of one of Derbyshire's most famous women, he knew Bess of Hardwick's story would make a powerful drama.

Bess: The Commoner Queen is the result. Not only is it testament to Fegan's writing credentials, it is also a vehicle to show Todd's lavish talents to the full. The two-hour play is a tour de force for the actress who now lives in Canada: although Bess's husbands appear on film, it is in effect a one-woman show and requires someone capable of holding the audience's attention throughout. In this Todd succeeds admirably.

This is Bess's story told from her viewpoint and no one is going to prevent her from telling it. This comes over in a slightly humorous way at times, for example when Sir William Cavendish, later Bess's husband, appears on screen only to be told, "not now, Cavendish. I'll call you up when I'm good and ready. I have an important speech to deliver first."

Bess: The Commoner Queen starts with the 33-year-old Bess in the Tower of London in 1560. She is Lady St Loe, wife of William, Captain of the Queen's Guard, and Lady of the Privy Chamber to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. She is in the Tower not because of her own marriage but of that of Lady Jane Grey's sister Katherine. Despite Bess's warning, she had married without the sovereign's consent. Fortunately, St Loe is able to secure a royal pardon for Bess.

The play covers Bess's life from the age of 19 when she is in service at the home of Lord and Lady Grey until just before her death at 81. Todd is comfortable and creditable with depicting Bess at all stages of her life, from the lively, innocent teenager to the stooping, slightly demented octogenarian.

She comes over as a feisty, spirited woman, ahead of her time in many ways because of her determination to make a life for herself rather than be subservient to her husbands.

Todd also shows Bess to be controlling, tenacious in her search for a husband for her granddaughter Arbella and furious when she eventually chooses a youth ten years younger than herself. This is one of the most dramatic scenes in the play. Arbella is a puppet doll operated by Todd, an apt interpretation.

And being from the East Midlands, Todd is perfectly capable of bringing out the commonality of Bess who slips into a Derbyshire dialect when she is away from court.

Rikki Tarascas, who has a theatre and film background, directs with precision. Film maker William Simpson cleverly brings to life the other characters in Bess's story as well as showing Bess in the majestic surroundings of Hardwick Hall.

Bess: The Commoner Queen is slightly long in a couple of places and the first half might benefit from more tension. The most dramatic scene is towards the end when her fourth husband George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury is forced to be the official witness at the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots and describes her death in great detail. Bess is distraught at hearing the account.

Overall, though, Bess: The Commoner Queen is a striking, outstanding production which is a triumph for both Michelle Todd and Kevin Fegan.﻿

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Theatre review: Bess: The Commoner Queen at Guildhall Theatre, Derby

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Kevin Fegan Guildhall Theatre, Derby From 28 September 2017 to 01 October 2017 Review by Steve Orme When Michelle Todd handed playwright Kevin Fegan a short biography of one of Derbyshire's most famous women, he knew Bess of Hardwick's story would make a powerful drama. Bess: The Commoner Queen is the result.

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Producer Director ,Song Writer & Performer .

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Ritual to Revolution a Tarascas Production for Tanglehead Productions . A devised site specific experience directed by Rikki Tarascas .

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Produced ,Directed and Choreographed by Rikki Tarascas

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The Modernists (REMADE) By Jeff Noon  Produced,Directed and Choreographed by Rikki Tarascas

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The Modernists (RE-MADE) by Jeff Noon .Produced,Directed and Choreographed by Rikki Tarascas .As Performed at the Komedia ,Brghton 2014. After the first version off the play Noon and Tarascas reworked the text adding songs and music.

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Dr Faustus .The Imaginarium . Review in The Argus .Brighton 

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Dr Faustus .The Imaginarium . Review in The Argus .Brighton 

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Heaven and Hell defined by different Floors in an Offic Block

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Brighton's Tanglehead Productions won an Audience Choice Award for their debut at last year's Fringe, a site-specific version of Ken Kesey's One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at this alternative health centre.

This year's effort returns to last year's venue with Christopher Marlowe's 1604 play about the doctor who sells his soul to the devil for 24 years of fame, power and knowledge. Similar to the group's debut, Dr Faustus: The Imaginarium uses the building's multi-floor layout of near-identical rooms, this time to represent over two halves the slow descent into hell of our proud protagonist.

The first half represents young Faustus as he makes his pact while railing against organised religion in an arrogant and sexual frenzy. Played by Jason Kennedy as the ultimate angry young man, he is introduced to the pleasures of the flesh and the seven deadly sins, as a kind of S&M orgy (complete with burlesque star Honour Mission) plays out. Though slightly too shouty without subtlety (some ill-judged buffoonery merely annoys), black humour and the excellent Gordon Winter as deal-breaking demon Mephistopheles usher things along nicely.

The second half, though, is when Tanglehead's show really comes into its own. The older Faustus (Mike Rawlings) has a gift for dark looks, a cocky Clockwork Orange swagger and gleeful mocking of religion. His double-act with Winter is a particular highlight. Combined with Rikki Tarascas's haunting direction of ghostly entities and an equally haunting guitar and drum score, events build to a gripping, emotional climax worth the ticket price alone.

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Doctor Faustus: The Imaginarium, The Happy Cell, Hove, until May 27, call 01273 917272

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Brighton's Tanglehead Productions won an Audience Choice Award for their debut at last year's Fringe, a site-specific version of Ken Kesey's One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at this alternative health centre. This year's effort returns to last year's venue with Christopher Marlowe's 1604 play about the doctor who sells his soul to the devil for 24 years of fame, power and knowledge.

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Heaven and Hell defined by different Floors in an Office Block

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An enthralling performance once again from Tanglehead Productions at this year's Brighton Fringe at the Happy Cell, with their revival of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Expectations are certainly exceeded having won last year's Audience Choice Awards after receiving outstanding reviews following their production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

A deliciously daring and delectably dark tale of an ill-fated Scholar; increasingly discontent in his quest to gain absolute knowledge of the world. Faustus is quick to take solace among the dark arts, forming a perilous pact with the Devil. Wickedly sexual and boldly blasphemous, with a hearty share of debauchery and mischief, Faustus sends us into a hellish nightmare, a fiery warning of the consequences of greed. This terrible tale of Faustus is somewhat comparable to the fable of Icarus, who fell to an untimely death on flying too near to the Sun. Undeniably unlocking the enigma of Faustus's inevitable demise, furthermore echoing the idea of 'hubris - excessive pride' that is epitomised in the tale of Icarus. Though rather fragmented, the play upholds great sentiment to Marlowe's original, with an exceptionally mesmerizing performance from Jason Kennedy as our luckless Faustus.

The story begins with opening scene having our unfortunate Faustus sent tumbling through a mound of moth eaten books, a brilliantly executed arrival. A certain allure is kept on entering the venue, we are greeted by rather glamourously kitted out personnel, perhaps an anticipated clue to what's in store and we reluctantly sign away our souls. We are then led into a seemingly undersized room, with seats positioned on either sides of a rather ornate gangway. Plucky members of the cast are sat amid the audience creating a refuge of peculiar comfort.
Tanglehead's production of this under appreciated classic is a genuine pleasure to watch, a brilliantly fearsome performance from a fiendishly foolhardy cast.

On leaving you are left with far more than you bargained for.

Written by Amy Banks
brighton fringe 2012

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Brighton Fringe Presents Doctor Faustus, The Imaginarium. - We Love Brighton

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An enthralling performance once again from Tanglehead Productions at this year's Brighton Fringe at the Happy Cell, with their revival of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Expectations are certainly exceeded having won last year's Audience Choice Awards after receiving outstanding reviews following their production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.