It was a week of watching one man shows… Daniel Kitson, Tim Minchin and Charles Ross. A commonwealth of one man shows, it appears. There is something compelling about the one man format – which is most likely the intricate intimacy of hearing from one person for an hour or so. But despite this intimacy, there is something epic in the feat – for Minchin backed by the Sydney Symphony it is the scale of his wide reaching philosophical perspective, for Kitson profusion of letters which spanned 20 years and for Ross the gravitas, characters and grand narrative of The Lord of the Rings.

I am familiar with The Lord of The Rings trilogy – but this was not the main inspiration to attending – I was really more interested in the performance – the adaptation, the physicalisation of film on stage – the shrinking of grand battle scenes and interweaving narratives, 10 hours of film reduced into 70 minutes. Who wouldn’t want to see that?

It is impossible not to like Charles Ross, his talent for physical and vocal gymnastics is second to none – his sense of humour smart, sweet and surprising -and his stamina incredible. Amid the show breaking out to occasionally offer commentary, or interact with us – making sure we are keeping up – some light banter. He’s utterly likable, completely compelling to watch and very VERY clever. Goofy, evocative, cerebral, energetic – at times very sincere, but never, EVER dull.

If you have a chance to see Charles Ross do anything – see it. I have no doubt you’ll be charmed, delighted and transported through time/story/place.

For a very comprehensive review from one of my dear friends, Jack Tiewes check out https://www.australianstage.com.au/201103304310/reviews/sydney/one-man-lord-of-the-rings-|-charles-ross.html

And I hope it has inspired Sydney based actors to start dreaming up a show, perhaps for the Sydney Fringe.