What happens to Lear’s Fool when they mysteriously disappears from Shakespeare’s King Lear?

It is a question that David Henry Wilson’s Lear’s Fool sets out to answer, and the result is a funny, moving and beautifully crafted piece of theatre.

For those not familiar with Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Wilson’s one-act play is self-contained although offering plenty of connections to Shakespeare’s tragedy. He imagines how the fates of Lear and his loyal and wronged daughter Cordelia might have played out.

The action unfolds in a prison cell in Dover against the backdrop of an English army attempting to repel a French invasion. The Fool (Jill Riddiford) is led into a prison by a guard, John (Sam Stopford). The Fool tries to engage a reluctant John, and he is fast won over by her wit and charm. Riddiford has fun in this role as the wittiest character in the room and gives the character a wonderful emotional depth.

The writing is full of humour, and this is where Jill Riddiford  truly excels. Her Fool is mischievous but also human and devastated by the downfall and treatment of the king she remains loyal to. Stopford is excellent as John, gradually revealing the humanity behind the reluctant jailer. His growing connection with the Fool gives the play much of its heart, particularly as he struggles with the orders he is given.

John Kay Steel brings a suitably menacing presence to the Captain, while Finlay McLean and Kirsty McDuff make a strong impression as Lear and Cordelia. The performances combine to create a production that feels both intimate and genuinely powerful.

In true Shakespearean fashion, there are jokes and tears, twists and turns, and heart-wrenching tragedy. The end is handled with taste and restraint. 

Lear’s Fool works beautifully as a standalone piece, lifted by excellent performances from the entire cast. For Shakespeare fans, it offers a fascinating new perspective on one of his most enigmatic characters; for those less familiar with King Lear, it remains an accessible and engaging work in its own right.

A wonderfully imaginative addition to the Lear story, Lear’s Fool is a moving and thoroughly worth the price of a ticket.

 

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Four Stars.

Playing at  Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street until 22^nd August

Tickets and further information can be found following the link below

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lear-s-fool

Creatives

Writer  David Henry Wilson

Director Liz Carruthers

Cast

Fool                         Jill Riddiford

John (a guard) Sam Stopford

Codelia                Kirsty McDuff

Lear                       Finlay McLean

The Captain     John Kay Steel