Justin Butcher – Scaramouche Jones (Fringe review) 4 Stars ****

It is Millenium Eve, mere hours away from turning midnight, as Scaramouche Jones, a one-hundred year old clown, begins to tell us his story.

Born on the final day of 1899 to a Roma mother in Trinidad, Scaramouche’s story is propelled by the exceptionally white face he was born with. His life is rocked by tragedy after tragedy as he is pushed along the tides of some of the most significant historical events in the 20th century, his face getting whiter with every misfortune. It is hard and heavy, focusing mostly on the atrocities of the first half of the 20th century, fast-forwarding on his life after the 1950s.

Justin Butcher, who wrote the one-man play in 1999, takes on the role of Scaramouche for its 25th anniversary. The play’s 25 years of experience on the theatre and festival circuit is evident – the team behind the performance clearly had a vision which they confidently executed.

What is perhaps most remarkable about the performance is the sense of place that is conjured. Scaramouche travels from Trinidad to Addis Ababa to Italy to Krakow, intersecting with stories of colonialism, slavery, dictatorships and war. Each time, Butcher’s storytelling, supported by beautiful visuals projected behind him and no doubt helped by the setting of the Spiegeltent, leave you feeling as though you truly are in those places with Scaramouche a hundred years ago.

Dealing with some of the darkest moments of the 20th century, Scaramouche Jones is not an easy watch. Butcher portrays moments that are almost unbearable with excruciating exactness. However, glimpses of hopeful humanity shine through in the play as well, and there are more than a few chuckles from the audience throughout.

Scaramouche Jones is certainly not a play for the faint of heart. However, if you can see the hour and a half through, it will stay with you for much longer afterwards.

Scaramouche Jones, Bijou at Assembly, St Andrew Square, 6th to 30th August, 4.10pm.

Photo credit: Annie Kruntcheva