A double bill examining the chaos that ensues after tragedies, And Kill Him in the Shell has just opened at the Canal Cafe Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe.
And Kill Him in the Shell was created and performed by Byron Lankester Howells, Leonardo Londono, and Munraj Bhachu. The first part of the show (Mt Glorious) introduces us to Declan’s story (played by Lankester Howells). The story focuses on a dark passage of Declan’s life and is delivered as a fast-paced one-man performance. The second part of the show (The Small Hours) narrates an episode in the lives of three friends (played by the three creators of the show), in which emotions run high and different personalities clash during a crisis.
The performances of all cast members were noteworthy, with special recognition going to Lankester Howells for the passion he brought to his performance in the first part and for the great versatility he showed when transitioning to his second role of the evening. Bhachu was very convincing in his role, particularly when everything escalated. Likewise, Londono delivered a memorable performance, with the vivid dog scene being a highlight.
The two parts of the show, and in particular the second one, work exceptionally well in a small venue like the Canal Cafe Theatre. Its intimate atmosphere fits well with the claustrophobic nature of the second part, which is set exclusively in one room. Moreover, the fact that the second part is set in real time contributes to building up a sense of realism and urgency. The set design for both parts did exactly what it needed to do. In the first part, it allows the audience to focus on Lankester Howells, while in the second half it contributes to setting the bleak atmosphere required by the unsettling tale that unfolded.
Both parts of the show are great at leaving the audience with questions about how each of the stories really ended and whether there was an additional hidden meaning to the stories, particularly in the case of Mt Glorious. The only criticism is that the integration of the two stories is not entirely clear. Regardless, it was a very enjoyable experience.
And Kill Him in the Shell will run at the Canal Cafe Theatre until 19 August. Try to see it if you can. If you are curious about the creative process behind the show, check out our interview with its creators.
Tickets to attend this show were provided complimentary. We wish the show a fantastic run!
Gonzalo
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