I Caught My Death in Venice

Synopsis

A flea-bitten circus ship arrives in Venice. Things aren't exactly swinging, least of all the trapeze. A mixture of subtle acting and stand-up comedy.

Our Review:

8 September 2003

Imagine the Marx Brothers without Groucho, Chico or Harpo, or Morecambe and Wise without either of them, and you have the measure of this extremely strange two-hander written and performed by Martin Marquez and John Marquez. The conceit of numerous characters (all performed by the Marquez brothers) caught up in a flea-bitten circus, invited to Venice to play before the Doge, ends up in a massive exercise of self-indulgence, toilet humour and a mix 'n' match of comedy styles which at best is bewildering and bizarre, and at worst tedious in the extreme.

Whether the point of the exercise was to explore the nature of comedy and the narrow line between tragedy and humour, or for some other purpose, perhaps only disclosed to Chichester's artistic directors, I have yet to fathom. The point, if there is one, is certainly not communicated to the paying audience. As to the nature of comedy, perhaps the Brothers Marquez should have borne in mind the wise words of Eddie Waters, the dour ...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.170) - 19 October 2003:

I have never laughed so much in all my life. These boys truly are geniuses and so good looking too. No seriously, very funny and moving. Can't wait for the next one....

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