Belleville Rendez-vous is an endearing piece of Art-house theatre. It is inspired by the animated film of the same name which follows the story of orphaned cycling fanatic, Champion, kidnapped by crooks along with his grandmother and their dog Bruno.
There is very little spoken script and half of that is in French so the audience have to pay attention to the acting which is of the highest standard with many excellent facial expressions. The stage is really used to its full extent by the cast. At the side there is a talented live band using sound effects from items such as bike wheel rims, ladles, typewriters, lids, plates and suitcases.
Props are heavily used to illustrate the scenes necessary as a result of the lack of the spoken word. The puppet maker should be applauded for innovative ways of using recycled materials. There are one or two points in the first half where the audience are left wondering where the play is going, but there is no doubt by the time the second half gets going. Lighting is often quite dim but appropriate
Humour is apparent and appreciated by the audience who were attentive throughout.
Belleville Rendez-vous will make you think and it will grab your attention.
Belleville Rendez-vous is on at the Bedlam Theatre at 11am daily until 20th August , not 14th (http://bedlamfringe.co.uk/belleville-rendezvous/)
Thomas Haywood is a freelance photographer producing great royalty-free images in Scotland.
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