The Glorious French Revolution (or: why sometimes it takes a guillotine to get anything done) – New Diorama Theatre, London

Writer and director: Sam Ward

YESYESNONO tackle the immense task of retelling the French Revolution in their most Brechtian production to date. Employing one of Brecht’s signature techniques, signs to signify character changes, the company cleverly examine the myriad societal forces that propelled this pivotal moment in history. The writing is consistently light-hearted and humorous, supported by exaggerated, caricatured performances that inject high energy into the production.

While the storytelling often remains surface-level, occasional moments of vivid, visceral descriptions of violence cut through the comedy, grounding the piece in the harsh realities behind the fall of the monarchy. Sam Ward’s direction maximises the comedic potential of the piece through heightened physicality and carefully crafted shifts in tone, seamlessly balancing levity with more serious moments.

The repeated refrain, ‘The revolution is over’, acts as a poignant reminder of the unresolved societal issues the production suggests are still present today. It ends on a visually compelling open-to-interpretation note which draws upon the present. Nevertheless, overall, the show doesn’t fully interrogate the modern-day implications of the French Revolution, leaving its contemporary resonance underexplored.

Hazel Low’s design is striking, utilising a chaotic blend of red, white, and blue sportswear that embodies the playfulness of the show. Han Sayle’s lighting complements this palette, also seen in Low’s inventive set design, which includes a vault, bouncy castle and treadmill, adding a dynamic layer to the revolution’s narrative. These elements reflect both the exuberance and the exhaustion of sustained political upheaval. Tom Foskett-Barnes’s sound design moves seamlessly between poppy, upbeat tracks and more intense, pulsating tones, reflecting the dual nature of the production’s storytelling and its darker undercurrents.

The Glorious French Revolution (or: why sometimes it takes a guillotine to get anything done) is a bold, imaginative, and entertaining piece of theatre. While its commentary on the revolution’s modern-day relevance could be developed further, it remains a striking and inventive exploration of history’s cyclical nature.

Runs until 14 December 2024