Novecento, Trafalgar Studios

This one-man show about a jazz pianist hits all the right notes

by Alexandra CoghlanTuesday, 02 November 2010

Mark Bonnar: A bravura display of technique and dramatic stamina

Offbeat in more than just their rhythms, jazz musicians have always had an affinity to the extraordinary, living lives syncopated against the regular tread of society. Maybe it was the informality of their training, or the influence of brothels, bars and back streets that were their concert halls, but the likes of Buddy Bolden and Django Reinhardt have left a legacy of autobiography every bit as bold and unusual as their music. It is in this legacy that Alessandro Baricco’s fictional pianist Novecento claims his share, in a 90-minute monologue that riffs on the unlikely melody of his life to create a beautifully absurdist fable.

The absence of music in this story of a musician does at times feel a little wilful

Buy

Explore topics

Share this article

The future of Arts Journalism

You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!

We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d

And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

more Theatre

King James, Hampstead Theatre review - UK premiere drains a three-pointer Beautifully crafted play tracks two men's relationship, as LeBron James comes and goes, and comes back again to the Cavs

A Christmas Carol, Old Vic review - tidings of discomfort and noise This venue’s annual festive classic is joyous, but its writing is frankly patronising

[title of show], Southwark Playhouse review - two guys and two girls write about writing, delightfully Revival of New York show lifts the spirits

ARK: United States V by Laurie Anderson, Aviva Studios, Manchester review - a vessel for the thoughts and imaginings of a lifetime Despite anticipating disaster, this mesmerising voyage is full of hope

Wolves on Road, Bush Theatre review - exciting dialogue, but flawed plotting New play about young black men and cryptocurrency is sadly predictable

Burnt Up Love, Finborough Theatre review - scorching new play Super writing and acting jolts us out of complacency

L’Addition, BAC review - top billing for physical comedy duo The latest in Forced Entertainment’s 40 years of experiment is a thought-tickling farce

Barcelona, Duke of York's Theatre review - Lily Collins migrates from France to Spain The 'Emily in Paris' star surrenders to cliche - or does she?

Guards at the Taj, Orange Tree Theatre review - miniature marvel with rich resonances Rajiv Joseph’s play pitting beauty against duty gets an impressive staging

The Buddha of Suburbia, Barbican Theatre review - farcical fun, but what about the issues? Hanif Kureishi classic gets a compulsively comic makeover from Emma Rice

How To Survive Your Mother, King's Head Theatre review - mummy issues drive autobiographical dramedy Lots of heartache, but a strange void where the heart of the play should be

Dr Strangelove, Noël Coward Theatre review - an evening of different parts Kubrick’s humour doesn't always detonate as it should in Armando Iannucci's version

Follow @theartsdesk