Monday was supposed to be 2008's most depressing day but for me last night ranked alongside it.
In 2005 the co-instigator of the London International Mime Festival, Nola Rae, presented a magnificently funny, moving show, Exit Napoleon. By comparison this revival of Mozart Preposteroso! is a disappointment.
It is disappointing only because of Rae's impeccable standards. The veteran was recently made an MBE and thoroughly deserves it for her commitment to clowning but her usual spark is subdued in this study of the precocious composer's life.
There is some great puppetry. A tiny doll plays the prodigy and Rae his father, before - in the most striking image of all - Rae becomes the prodigy and the puppet dad. Later, a lifesize figure is Mozart's sweetheart as they glide across the stage.
Despite a skilful performance this wordless piece frequently drags. Rae is brilliantly subtle and can create entire chapters with a flick of her wrist but apart from a scene in which, quill poised, inspiration arrives like magic, Mozart's genius is rarely captured.
This is not bad by any means. Unfortunately the bar was raised so high with Exit Napoleon's Chaplinesque take on the absurdity of tyranny that this simply feels inferior. Mozart Preposteroso! hits the right notes occasionally but is no classic.
London International Mime Festival: Nola Rae: Mozart Preposteroso!
Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
The South Bank Centre,Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
