A Brilliant Adaptation of a French Classic is Not Just for Goldfish Fans

Nick Hennegan hails The Count of Monte Cristo as 'tres bon'

A 1,200 page novel is brought to life in two hours by three actors
A 1,200 page novel is brought to life in two hours by three actors

February 9, 2025

Ooo la la! C’est tres bon a’ la Tabard!

As you can probably tell, my command of French and indeed knowledge of the classic tale of The Count Of Monte Cristo is somewhat limited. But having seen this energetic production by three talented and versatile performers, I’m tempted to dive into the real thing.

The year is 1815. France is divided, Napoleon plots his return to power, and humble sailor Edmond Dantes is living a simple honest life. Or so he thinks. Betrayed by those who know him, accused of treason, Edmond is imprisoned in the depths of the prison island The Chateau D’If. Forsaken and forgotten, he begins to weave an intricate web of vengeance. There is revenge, redemption and a whole load of ridiculousness as all 1200 pages of the French epic are stuffed onto stage.

So…The Count of Monte Cristo… an epic tale of vengeance, redemption and how far one man will go for justice. This version is occasionally possibly TOO faithful to the original! There is perhaps a bit too much ’story’, particularly in the second act. And there were a few sound problems on our night, which I’m sure they will sort out. But also, in a way, this is kinda the whole glory of this sort of “post-graduate student comedy” humour. And why it’s such a good night out!

'Brilliant and committed actors' hit the right note
'Brilliant and committed actors' hit the right note

Without giving too much away, watch how they burn important documents! Marvel at the boat on stage, complete with sails and a sword fight in the rigging! They are not afraid to play with form, and designers ADAM ELLIOTT & PHILIP ELLIOTT’s use of puppets, hats and set is inventive, original and hilarious.

Goldfish fans will love this show too (!). It has cross-dressing, cross-accents, cross cutlery and cross-capitalism and the brilliant and committed actors, OLIVER MALAM, TOM TELFORD and EVIE JAMES are skilled enough to create an audience interaction that hits just the right note.

And it’s another example of the team at Theatre at the Tabard bringing a brilliant and varied programme of events to our local theatre.

Tres Bien!

Nick Hennegan

Book tickets here

Performances 6 to 15 February – £23.50/£19.50 concessions

Performances 19to 22nd February – £25.50/£21.50 concessions

Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).

 

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