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Expect a fired-up plot, bulletproof direction and many tributes to the beloved Spaghetti Western classics, relish over Hartley's gun-slinging wit and timeless cowboy charm.Summary
Rating
Unmissable
A man and his guns are wandering the Wild West. His name, Roscoe ‘Blackjack’ Porter. And he’s bleeding. He owes his life to his loyal weapons, Bess and Bella, and his inseparable deck of cards. Those, together with a good bottle of whiskey, are all the family he has left. He’s got a long walk ahead, so he takes the opportunity to recall the events that led him to this state with flashbacks of his last few days.
It all started one late morning in the desolate town of Hope Springs, where his brother John Porter is sheriff. The scoundrel Martin Valance is making plans to build the biggest gun ever seen, enrolling the wretched Dingham brothers to protect his business. Meanwhile, Roscoe has been warned by the barkeep of the Mucky Donkey saloon that one of the brothers is seeking revenge because of an insult during the previous night’s Blackjack game. The only possible solution is a high-noon shootout, during which the whole town is kept on their toes. Men, women, children and the elderly pause their daily activities to witness the outcome of the duel. The vicar halts his confessional with a nosy parishioner, whilst the ladies at Mrs Four Pussies’ brothel temporarily close for business. Wayne Dingham is soon dispatched by Bess and Bella’s prompt intervention, but this is just the beginning of Roscoe’s troubles, as Miss Clementine Van Cliff is already on his trail.
Interpreting a staggering twenty-five characters – each with their own voice, accent and demeanour – writer and sole performer William Hartley has an impressive stage presence. His gun-slinging wit and well-aimed lines ricochet like bullets off a squeaky saloon bar sign.
Exuding the timeless charm of an untamed cowboy, he doesn’t flinch in front of an occasional set malfunction, unafraid to ad lib to maintain a seamless connection with his audience.
Finished up by an original score and ingenious sound effects, expect a fired-up plot, bulletproof direction and many tributes to the beloved Spaghetti Western classics.
Written and Performed by: William Hartley
Directed by: Phil Croft
Produced by: Phil and Will
Box Office: +44 (0)131 226 0000
Booking Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/gun
Booking Until: 24 August 2019
