Doctor Faustus

Wonderful show! One of the best I’ve seen at the Fringe. Actors were brilliant. Perfectly encapsulated Faustus and Mephistopheles. Soundtrack, staging and lighting complimented them wonderfully. Climax of show was very effective. I was totally mesmerised for the entire hour! So glad I didn’t miss this production!

This two-handed adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s early modern tragedy is fun, sexy, and brilliantly dark. Drag king Coyote Ugly as Mephistopheles has a swanky, lanky, confident physicality which balances well against the anxious and electrically manic energy that James Llewellyn Evans brings to Faustus. The tensely ambiguous dynamic between these figures sets up a clear power struggle from the start, even as Faustus imagines himself to be in command of immeasurable dark forces. Both of the actors have an incredibly strong grasp of Marlowe’s language, and communicate this sometimes dense philosophical text with ease. A smattering of other characters are brought to life in part by perfectly-timed lighting and sound changes. This is a real masterclass in condensing a full production into a one-hour, two-character show, as the narrowing of their focus only serves to intensify Marlowe’s tale of power and seduction. Hurry to catch them before the end of the festival, or keep an eye on where they’re summoned next!

Wow, wow, wow! I'm not normally one to leave reviews, however this show was, from beginning to end, beautiful. It's so unusual to see British actors, let alone North Americans, really get into and understand the context and sub context of the text from this period, but in this show the nuance and delivery of both performers was sublime. Absolutely the best show I've seen this Fringe (and I've been here since opening day).
Miss this at your peril - I, for one, will be back to watch again.

What a gem of a production! A clean, thoughtful homage to Marlowe with two spectacular actors carrying the tight, fast-paced hour long descent into the moral and spiritual quagmire of Faustus. 5 stars. Go and see it. We will again!

The last time I saw Dr F was in 1984 at the Lyceum. This version was beautifully performed by two excellent actors and my wife and I enjoyed every minute. It should be enjoying a full house every day so do go and see it. The best play I’ve seen at the Fringe so far.

Fantastically acted, directed and conceived. The text is cut and cobbled together expertly. The performances are magnetic, confident, infinitely watchable. The venue fits this production perfectly - you are invited into a bluesy world of sin. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So special, so classy, so smart. Being in the room is charged. Moody, intense, fun, so well considered and developed. Beautiful work from a beautiful company.

I had the pleasure of seeing this excellent production today, and it was an intense ride with a clear theatrical vision that delivered on every level. James Llewellyn Evans offers a nuanced and powerful portrayal as the titular Faustus, with a natural charm that endears the audience to him immediately, no matter where his sinful, wayward decisions take him. I felt every moment of Faustus's conflict, delight, fear, and especially his final torment. Then there's the inimitable Coyote Ugly, bringing his clearly well-honed drag skills to the fore to involve the audience in Faustus's plight. The variety of characters, voices, and energies was brilliantly varied and vibrantly portrayed, and personally, the lounge lizard Lucifer moment was a huge highlight. Do take the devil by the horns on the way in and get involved in this immersive and devilishly good show!

Sexual ambiguity is built into many versions of the Faust legend, so what better than to have Mephistopheles played by a drag king who then impersonates Helen of Troy?! Furthermore, it all takes place in one of a line of vaults said to be haunted by, among others, the ghost of Lord Darnley, Mary Queen of Scots' husband and near-contemporary of the historical Faust.
Marlowe's play is reduced to its essence, carried by 2 strong performances and powerful lighting, with the vault itself doubling as stage set. There's audience participation for those who show willing: you are asked as you go in and there's nothing to fear except eternal damnation. Go on, be a devil!