Colin Hoult’s The Life and Death of Anna Mann reviewed by Christopher Walker
With many of London’s theatres struggling to fill seats at a time when their punters are themselves struggling to heat or eat, I’m pleased to report that one venue is enjoying unbridled success, writes Christopher Walker.
The Soho Theatre packs them in, night after night, in a series of spaces across its multiple levels.
There are several different shows every night and the ground floor bar is consequently jammed to overflowing. I’d advise making a note of alternative nearby watering holes before you come.
The mission of the theatre is to deliver vibrant new writing with an emphasis on cabaret and comedy.
Others have been reduced to ether endless family shows or the safest, low-risk, short productions with high profile TV stars.
The Soho Theatre continues to take theatrical gambles and to win.
Colin Hoult is something of a TV star but not exactly high-profile, while the character he has created Anna Mann is definitely something of a theatrical risk.
In this latest show, The Life and Death of Anna Mann, Colin threatens to kill off the small-time actress, which would be a terrible pity as her monologue of memories are really quite hilarious.
He was nominated for Edinburgh’s best fringe show award this summer.
There is no doubting Colin has considerable comic talent, and he has created a character who is amusing and warm.
Someone who as she tells us is “an acclaimed actress singer and… welder, well you’ve got to have a backup.
These days she’s even working for Deliveroo, backing up her back up. I fear a gag which rings all too true for many actors.
Anna is one of those characters who is immediately familiar to any theatre lover.
An actress of a certain age, with a booming stagey voice, who has been cursed with limited success.
Her greatest hit to date has been Cannibal Bagpipes.
I had to stop myself putting my hand up when she asked if anyone had seen it.
As Anna describes it the show is “visceral, real, and achingly brave.” And if it really is her last one, you must catch it.
https://sohotheatre.com/shows/colin-hoult-the-death-of-anna-mann/
Pictured: Colin Hoult /Picture: Linda Blacker
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