Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool (and pretty much every other character) in this retelling of King Lear. From a different point of view, it's also the telling of a very personal story. Both are poignant, mischievous, tragic and hilarious.

Hamnett adds a cheekiness to the storytelling; a playful performance that resembles the type of thing a daughter would get away with when she was a young girl, with a devoted father. It's good, entertaining storytelling though, even the most gory parts are played out with a glint in her eye.

There is a friendly, caring approach to the audience, even when they are being incorporated into the rain storm, which is a nice place to start this tragic tale.

Condensed into an hour and twenty minutes, Shakespeare's tragedy has never made more sense. It's simpler, more to the point and all the confusing bits are missing!

Thoroughly entertaining, not in the slightest bit depressing and a touching show of gratitude from this Cordelia to her Lear.

A gracious portrayal.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Nearly Lear plays in theSpace @ Venue45 at 5.10pm until 19 August.