River, ‘ltinerant fool’

Press, 10 March 1984, Page 8

River, ‘ltinerant fool’

River for The Festival Cabaret la the Limes Room, Tbwa Hall, March 8 and 9. Rttfiingtime: 11 p.m. to IMS pan. Reviewed by describes himself; his sjrss*-: clown, dancer and fireeater. On Thursday he tantalised and dazzled his audience with all of these attributed with the possible exception of dance, although some of his antics could well be classified in this category. River is an Americanborn performer, now living in Nelson, who has trained and performed in London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. Hu contribution to the festival programme gave Christchurch audiences a rare opportunity to enjoy his considerable talents. River said that his aim was “to touch people in one way or another’ and in

this he succeeded Ini -full measure. The programme began with a brilliant mime that could be titled “The Wall” or “HeUo" or “HelpHi The audience wished convulsed with laughter as River convulsed* withsilent laughter until brought up short by the barrier of a series of walls. The mimicry he used to negotiate these walls before'he was at last able to greet the audience- employed the virtuosity of an incomparable performer. Having established rapport, River gained complete control of his acting area and maximum vocal freedom by removing the microphone. We were next treated to a juggling lesson and promised that it was impossible to juggle and be depressed; What followed was a skilful and masterful display of juggling accompanied by a continual patter of entertaining dialogue. River then extended his

delights as a raconteur. He taught his audience how to have fun in London on very little money, all the while eating with seeming enjoyment a burning cigarette. Tills ppved. the way for Riser’s piece de when he' enthralled and; scared his audience silly,: with an almost too realistic exhibition of fire-eating. This was an evening to cherish and remember. By arriving at 10 o’clock we were able to savour , the delights of the Resident Jazz Band, hear the comedienne, Brenda Kendall, and besides River's brilliant act enjoy a second helping of Polyphony, who entertained and amused for a further 45 minutes. All this was packaged and presented by the charming and warm friendliness of the host, David Copeland. If you have not enjoyed the magic of the Festival Cabaret yet, don’t wait too long or you may miss.