Red Bus Londinium Life

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Dickie Beau’s self-penned play is a unique and thought-provoking piece of theatre.

This is not a good choice for those who like a straightforward, traditionally staged narrative. It is a most unconventional part documentary, part mime, part memoir written and performed by a lip synch artist. For those willing to yield to a different kind of theatre experience it is rewarding, moving and funny.

Dickie Beau initially sought to perform an iconic, lip-synched Hamlet mash-up of many famous versions. Instead he has tumbled upon the important story of Ian Charleson and it is his story that takes over the show.

The story of Ian’s life and ultimate death from AIDs is told sympathetically and nostalgically by Beau but also using the actual voices of others, such as Ian McKellen, who were his friends. Screening Charleson in his iconic Chariots of Fire performance scenes alongside reviews of his final Hamlet performance was both effective and effecting.

Benedict Cumberbatch said of Re-Member Me, “This feels like an evolution in terms of theatre.” I agree. It may not be that we want all the features in this show every time, but as items added to the theatre repertoire, there is much to admire. I will be very interested to follow Dickie Beau’s future offerings.

Have you seen Re-Member Me? Let me know your thoughts below.