NAPOLEON'S SECRET DIARY

Reviews from the Winnipeg Fringe Festival

Monster Theatre's one-man show, Napoleon's Secret Diary, is everything a history lesson usually isn't. Oozing with a sexy French accent, writer and performer Ryan Gladstone delivers an interactive and entertaining show as he takes us through a humorous and quirky recall of the life, love and battles of famed leader Napoleon. Known for creative, exciting and comedic productions -- Jesus Christ: The Lost Years, Confessions of a Class Clown -- Monster Theatre once again delivers a comedic performance that will be a Fringe favourite. Laugh-out-loud drama, complete with a streamlined set design, simple props and Gladstone's interpretation of Napoleon makes for an original and entertaining history lesson.
Sun Rating: 4 out of 5
Tineke Buiskool-Leeuwma - Winnipeg Sun

So why did Napoleon keep his hand tucked in his jacket like that? Apparently, to hide his secret diary - the one where he reveals he was just a timid guy who wanted to be left alone, but blundered into military genius. Okay, so maybe this show isn’t completely historically accurate, but Napoleon’s Secret Diary is one of the most sure-fire hours of fun you’ll find at the Fringe. Following Napoleon from childhood to his final days, we see Napoleon go from the pursuit of “life, liberty, and long, skinny loaves of bread” to “life, liberty, and world domination.” Writer/performer Ryan Gladstone plays the little general with vulnerability, total charm, and dead-on comic chops (his Napoleon comes off as the love child of Inspector Clouseau and Andy Kaufman’s Latka from Taxi). He’s silly enough for the kids to enjoy, skilled enough for the grown-ups to appreciate. And yes, though it’s played (to great effect) for laughs, if you’re not careful, you actually will learn history and stuff. From start to a surprisingly touching ending, this hour flies by. Go, and pass this secret on to your friends - they’ll thank you for it.

CBC Rating: Five Bars Reviewed by: Joff Schmidt

 

Napoleon’s Secret Diary
EYE WEEKLY's Review
The stage design consists of red, white and blue drapes symbolizing the French flag, yet the five-foot-nothing of a conqueror — performed by the energetic Ryan Gladstone in a 19th-century militaristic Napoleon costume, complete with black knee-high boots — works wonders in this minimalist setting. Gladstone’s delivery in this extremely funny period-pop piece infuses imagination, laughter and a strong vision into an entertaining giant performance. Napoleon’s Secret Diary is high energy, full of panache, puns, some dirty French humour and everything in between that makes this once-hated dictator into a lovable goon. Chris Jai Centeno