A new musical

Tonight, to a small theatre in Lower Marsh to see The Rise and Fall of Vinnie and Paul, a musical based on Paul Gauguin’s turbulent cohabitation with Vincent van Gogh in 1888. Van Gogh’s infamous breakdown and the severing of his ear ended the piece.

The venue was great. We had a glass of wine before a small crowd was ushered into the basement theatre space. It’s a big area, no stage, with a small production booth at the back and — I assume — dressing rooms behind. There were two or three rows of seats on each side. The performers were the only two on stage. They got pretty close at times.

I often wonder how they must feel with an audience staring right into their eyes while they’re performing. I find it quite unnerving. I wonder if they do?

A truly intimate, small show—really well done.