Hercules: Myth and Murder by Xavier Newton Fawcett.

When one of the police forces greatest detective Hercules turns out to be the son of the Greek God Zeus, brain and brawn should turn out to be a useful combination, especially when he enters the Superheroes competition Chess/Boxing, which apparently, is a “real thing” for all Superheroes to compete in!

The cast of four offers a madcap performance where the famous sleuth is called in to solve a crime, as you’d expect someone had been murdered and he might be the detective for the job or is he? Charlie Shape in the role of the famous detective Hercules: Myth and Murder has the suit, and statue to be a great detective, but sadly that is where the role similarity ends. Although Shape gives a blinding and funny performance in the role.

It is clear from the beginning that PC Peggy Hastings (Sophie Holmes) is the smartest police officer on the stage. She is overlooked, disrespected and overall disregarded as the person who will solve the crime due to being female. However, as is the case in many situations like this she is by far the hardest working and “clued” up detective.

Jack Dalton and Edward Ramsey take on the roles of all the other characters from serving police officers to Batman and Inspector Gadget. Rather a surreal collection of characters at times and you need to be alert as character changes take place fast.

Accompanying the cast throughout is pianist Finlay Stafford. Sophie Holmes solo number during the performance is outstanding.

Hercules: Myth and Murder has all the right ingredients for a “top-notch” Fringe Theatre production. With the mixture of characters, singing, comedy and fast-paced character interaction the cast has the perfect platform to showcase their range of acting skills and deliver some quick-fire comedy.

For more information on HERCULES:Myth and Murder and other productions performing at The Hen and Chickens during the Camden Fringe please use the link below.

Four Stars.

http://www.henandchickens.com/

Performing on

29th July – 1st August, Hen & Chickens Theatre, 9pm.

19th – 20th August, Camden People’s Theatre, 7:15pm

Tickets are on sale here: