Steve Nallon's Adventures in Wonderland

Buxton Fringe Festival Reviews

Buxton Fringe Festival Review

What does an impressionist do when his most famous impersonation is no longer on the scene? Mike Yarwood never quite got past the loss of Harold Wilson as Prime Minister. And what of Steve Nallon, the definitive voice of Margaret Thatcher, from Spitting Image? Well, in his show, Adventures in Wonderland, he proved that there is much more to his talents than the Iron Lady.

As the title suggests, Steve Nallon constructs his show around Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (with bits of Through the Looking Glass thrown in for good measure), re-casting his array of grotesque and charming characters with a continuous stream of impressions. Thus the White Rabbit becomes a manic Robin Williams, the Caterpillar a stoned Homer Simpson, Tweedledum and Tweedledee are the Chuckle Brothers, and who else could be the ever-smiling Cheshire Cat but Tony Blair?

Inevitably, not every impersonation hits the spot. Nallon has a light voice which doesn’t necessarily lend itself to every personality he attempts. However, for a performer who’s best known as a vocal impressionist, Nallon has an uncanny knack at getting the physical mannerisms of his subjects just right. Thus, while, for example, the aforementioned Blair is perhaps not the best vocally, physically it is spot-on.

And when he finds a voice which suits his skills, the whole thing takes off: his legendary Thatcher, of course; a poised Penelope Keith; a touching John Gielgud; a gimlet-eyed Anne Robinson; a stammering Woody Allen; a hilarious Patricia Routledge and a perfect Alan Bennett were amongst the highlights.

In an age when the art of the impressionist (on television at least) is sometime obscured by the work of an army of make-up artists and costume designers, Adventures in Wonderland is a great opportunity to see one of the legends of impersonation at close quarters. Steve Nallon is a friendly and engaging stage presence and still, despite the disappearance of Baroness Thatcher from the public scene, at the top of his game.

Oh, and were Spitting Image to return tomorrow, his uncanny Anne Widdecombe, all clichés and platitudes, could easily take the place of his most famous creation.

Robbie Carnegie (17 July 2004)

<<< Prev.

Several reviews of Steve's previous one-man show, Steve Nallon's Christmas Carol are available here.


	Home The Cast The Comedy The Dream The Appeal The Themes The Show The Adaptation ‘Lewis Carroll’ Performances Press, Contacts & Links Reviews Photo Gallery CVs & Acknowledgements Return to Main Site Created by Duncan Designs Updated: 5 November 2004 Reviews Buxton Fringe Festival Review What does an impressionist do when his most famous impersonation is no longer on the scene? Mike Yarwood never quite got past the loss of Harold Wilson as Prime Minister. And what of Steve Nallon, the definitive voice of Margaret Thatcher, from Spitting Image? Well, in his show, Adventures in Wonderland, he proved that there is much more to his talents than the Iron Lady. As the title suggests, Steve Nallon constructs his show around Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (with bits of Through the Looking Glass thrown in for good measure), re-casting his array of grotesque and charming characters with a continuous stream of impressions. Thus the White Rabbit becomes a manic Robin Williams, the Caterpillar a stoned Homer Simpson, Tweedledum and Tweedledee are the Chuckle Brothers, and who else could be the ever-smiling Cheshire Cat but Tony Blair? Inevitably, not every impersonation hits the spot. Nallon has a light voice which doesn’t necessarily lend itself to every personality he attempts. However, for a performer who’s best known as a vocal impressionist, Nallon has an uncanny knack at getting the physical mannerisms of his subjects just right. Thus, while, for example, the aforementioned Blair is perhaps not the best vocally, physically it is spot-on. And when he finds a voice which suits his skills, the whole thing takes off: his legendary Thatcher, of course; a poised Penelope Keith; a touching John Gielgud; a gimlet-eyed Anne Robinson; a stammering Woody Allen; a hilarious Patricia Routledge and a perfect Alan Bennett were amongst the highlights. In an age when the art of the impressionist (on television at least) is sometime obscured by the work of an army of make-up artists and costume designers, Adventures in Wonderland is a great opportunity to see one of the legends of impersonation at close quarters. Steve Nallon is a friendly and engaging stage presence and still, despite the disappearance of Baroness Thatcher from the public scene, at the top of his game. Oh, and were Spitting Image to return tomorrow, his uncanny Anne Widdecombe, all clichés and platitudes, could easily take the place of his most famous creation. Robbie Carnegie (17 July 2004) <<< Prev. Several reviews of Steve's previous one-man show, Steve Nallon's Christmas Carol are available here.