Andrew McConnell Stott’s wonderful book The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi, the laughter, madness and story of Britain’s Greatest Comedian was published in 2009 and was always ripe for adaption for the stage or screen. Anyone with an interest in social history at the turn of the 19th century, a love of Pantomime or who could be drawn in by the story of a tragic personal life contrasting with a glorious public persona would be attracted to this tale.
Grimaldi’s life is brilliantly spelt out in well-researched book over three Acts; firstly, a Clown is born (1778-1800), secondly the Golden era (1800- 1820) and thirdly a tragic life and decline (1820-1837) with his benefit performance in June 1828 and death in May 1837. The challenge is how to tell this story on the stage, to recreate the performances that earned him the title of Greatest Comedian and contrast them effectively with his personal life tragedies and failing health. Hundred Acre’s production at the Kenneth More Theatre in Redbridge East London is the world premiere of this stage adaption of the book by the author. He adopts a linear storytelling approach through his life from young child to his benefit performance with much exposition from the characters on the background and context and at times this feels laboured and inhibits the character development. We never really get a sense of what made him so successful, or the toll his performances from a young age took on his body, and the laughs are few and far between.
