Cry / Laugh by Nay Dhanak. 

Directed by Brian Logan & Ben Standish 

⭐⭐

Back in the 16th century Town criers existed to announce the news, from the king to the masses of subjects unable to read the news. Often burdened by news they didn’t want to hear, Tax rises, food shortage and escalating rent.

The Jester was the fool entertainer to Royal Banquets, however they were often more educated than their clowning represented, they debated the king about unkind rules and had a free pass to disagree with the monarch.

James Peak as Crier and Morven Blackadder as Jester throw themselves into this car crash of a play with energy, almost far too much energy, with many of the gags landing badly.

The first 40 minutes of the play is taken up with the Crier and Jester bemoaning their jobs the peasants dislike the Crier as he is always the bearer of bad news the Jester finds the king stubborn to change.

Both leaving their jobs the Jester has been sent to find the second sun. They decide to break the rules and speak to the Dragon! ( yeah who knew)

Through an audio montage of sound, well known political speeches they find themselves in 2026.

In 2026 they find themselves redundant, news is covered 24 hours a day and comedy is a huge pass time with anyone able to make fun of the royals.  

It does end with the puppet of the king being pulled to bits I'm not sure why. 

Even the normally excellent directors Brian Logan and Ben Standish couldn't elevate this play to a level of interest 

So far everyone I spoke to had felt the same.