The stage is transformed from a boat to heaven to capture the scope, scale and stark contrast of each of Blixen’s stories. A highly skilled cast of four rely on aerial routines but limited props, with musical accompaniment by Nikola Kodjabashia – white sheets to depict the characteristics of each place, making maximum use of the stunning art deco setting of The Coronet.
The interludes with Hunter, however, are far too brief – she is a mesmerising performer, whose command of the language and interaction with the audience is second to none. Baroness Blixen’s sarcastic wit shines through: ‘... everyone wanted to meet me, from Adolf Hitler to Marilyn Monroe – I met Marilyn, but cancelled my appointment with Adolf’, and these recollections, addressed to the audience, are a highlight.
Yet we don't get to the core of who Blixen really was. The audience is presented with a thin representation of the multi-faceted, dynamic person. Although entertaining, the narrative is too fragmented to reveal the deeper psyche of this fascinating woman, and her outlook on the world is limited to her broken love affairs. The complexity and richness of her narrative style, which meanders between mythology, folklore and Biblical narratives, is lost, favouring instead the dreamlike quality of her work. As a reflection of her literary skill, this production doesn’t do her justice
What | Out of Blixen, Print Room review |
Where | The Coronet Theatre, Print Room, 103 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB | MAP |
Nearest tube | Notting Hill Gate (underground) |
When |
03 Apr 17 – 22 Apr 17, 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, matinee performance on Saturdays |
Price | £16 - £28 |
Website | Click here for tickets and more info |