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ED2013 4/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews
Riding The Midnight Express With Billy Hayes (Barbara Ligeti and Wendy West with Louise Chantal – Festival Highlights)
By Dave Fargnoli | Published on Sunday 25 August 2013
Arrested for drug smuggling in his twenties, Billy Hayes spent five years in the Turkish prison system before a daring jailbreak and a harrowing dash across the border. It’s a remarkable, inherently theatrical tale, which Hayes articulates with great charm, humour and energy in this anecdotal one-man stream of consciousness. Occasionally he’s visibly overwhelmed by the memories, pausing to gather himself during moments of high emotion. At other times he relishes the drama, breathlessly describing his escape by land and sea, or raising great laughs from the audience with sly observations on his often surreal experiences. Part memoir, part thriller, part philosophical contemplation of freedom, this absorbing story proves Hayes to be a fascinating character and charismatic storyteller.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 25 Aug, 9.00pm
tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]
