(Brighton &) Hove Grown 2026
Ben Hur – Cue Fanfare
Cue Fanfare
Genre: Absurd Theatre, Comedy, Fringe Theatre, Historical, Physical Theatre
Venue: BOAT
Festival: (Brighton &) Hove Grown, Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe
Low Down
They said it was unachievable!
They said it couldn’t be done!
And yet …
Ben Hur, the greatest book ever penned, comes to the stage courtesy of the towering team who produced last year’s smash hit the 39 Steps … and with just four actors!
The story follows the Daniel Veil Theatre Collective as they spin out the epic tale of fictional merchant Judah Ben-Hur. He falls to the lowly position of galley slave and rises to become champion charioteer in Jerusalem, as the life of Jesus plays out alongside. Meanwhile, the actors struggle through the piece as rivalries form and offstage romances interfere.
The Greatest Story Ever Told comes complete with a bona fide chariot race, an authentic sea battle and a decadent Roman orgy (suitable for all ages).
“It’s bonkers, it’s barmy, it’s brilliant.”
Review
Cue Fanfare does it again with yet another epic film and book -translation -bringing two and a half hours of classic farce, physical theatre and outstanding performances to Brighton’s open-air theatre. With enough energy from its four actors to dispel the cold from a first night audience-encased in blankets -this is another triumph for all concerned.
Director Patric Kearns has assembled a first-rate cast that couldn’t be bettered- who expertly enthral, manipulate and reduce BOAT’s audience to near hysteria in Patrick Barlow’s masterly adaptation.
For the sheer nerve of tackling a book and novel of such epic proportions- Cue Fanfare wins hands down- with the minimum of props, costumes (and indeed, actors) as at least 23 roles are multi cast and brought to fruition with breathtaking characterisation by this faultless quartet.
The cast never cease to amaze with ingenious methods of characterisation. Harry Hart is in fine form in roles ranging from a commanding Messala to a Jesus Christ- straight from the heart of the Black Country.
Louise Faulkener is equally dazzling in her compendium of roles -particularly a hysterical Mary, mother of Jesus- more Mrs Overall than a demure Virgin Mary! Her appearance in a stable formed by a step-ladder is hysterical.
Patric Kearns and Ben Roddy are an exceptional duo -who never let the comedy flag for a moment. It is clear to see how each have a legacy of stage credits from which they have honed their craft to perfection.
Although Barlow’s script is a fine adaptation-it is clear to see how Kearns and Roddy have added numerous layers and classic vaudeville to an already fine script- with their expertise and experience.
Ad-libs come thick and fast – and the cast bounce off each other throughout the night with an ease and fluidity that is only achieved by performers of the highest calibre -at the top of their game!
And when a crowd scene is required – of course-the intrepid quartet turn to us the audience to provide roles for several enlisted “volunteers” to assist with their endeavours-which the first night audience, readily join in for. The sight of an entire audience at BOAT -” rowing “is a priceless tonic and a much-enjoyed piece of audience participation-we sadly only see in pantomime, these days.
As usual-Cue Fanfare has strong technical support from stage manager-Dave North (who receives more than a passing mention throughout the show) – mainly due to the fine soundscape and effects that come thick and fast) ingenious (and outrageous.) costumes designed by Jane Shakespeare and a dedicated team of Chris Radford and Katrina Kavanagh- who meticulously supply everything from splashing oars in the sea to extra “bodies” onstage.
Iconic moments from both film and book -include battles at sea, the three kings from the Nativity actually arriving on 3 camels (trust me-they do-albeit one having a slow puncture), and a Chariot race that I won’t give any spoilers for- just get yourself down to Boat and indulge in the mayhem, before its short run finishes on Saturday night.
With such a gem of a production, we eagerly await Cue Fanfare’s 2nd offering -with “Noises off” hot on the heels in July.
