Joe Bones’ hotly anticipated Bane trilogy is story-telling at its best: no props, no set, only Bones commanding the empty stage, creating each and every character, underscored by Ben Roe’s hauntingly evocative guitar strumming.  This film-noir parody is truly a must-see, with the ‘wastes no time, takes no prisoners’ hired hand Bruce Bane attracting big numbers, testifying to this show’s appeal.

Bones is an exceptional raconteur, with his pace purposeful and his delivery captivating. Simply watching him morph between personalities, assembling each new character with fresh accents and idiosyncrasies in tow, is wonderful entertainment. Bones is so accomplished at this metamorphosis that the audience is never left in doubt as to whom they are watching cackle, being shot down with three shots, or triumphing over the bad the guys. Such skill is a rare pleasure to witness, particularly in a crowd who are hanging on his every word.

The atmosphere is tightly formed, with Ben Roe shaping the mood as much as Bone’s whispers and blood-curdling yells of pain. The pair paint a vivid picture but never lose sight of Bane’s parody status; knowing winks to the audience serve to reaffirm rather than undermine the allusion. The only flaw is that any child with Bones’ performance imprinted on their minds will be utterly disappointed listening to their parents read to them from now on. This is high-octane entertainment for all ages.  

Bane 1, 2 and 3, Pleasance Dome, 3-28 Aug (not 15), 5.20 pm