The premise for Half Trick Theatre’s The Faustus Project is a novel one;  rehearse, produce and master a version of  Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and then invite a totally different actor every night to play the good Doctor himself. Of course, the new actor doesn’t know the script, or what to expect. The result is a mix between a creepy, old-school drama, improv comedy and what can be best described as a hazing ritual, with the emphasis on ritual.

Because of the show’s special casting quirk, each show will be different. We saw Olivia Raine Atwood take on the mantle of Doctor Faustus in good humour, and they leaned into the show with a mix of nervous energy, grace and silliness that really showed off Olivia’s improv skills and ability to think quickly and creatively.

The rest of the cast are very tight. They take on the roles of devils, angels, popes and other things from Marlowe’s original. This means that they can improv responses to the guest actor almost seamlessly, giving us the fleeting feeling that Faustus really is beset by devils.

This is a solid adaptation of Doctor Faustus; it hits all the key points, and all the lines you’d expect to hear are present. The themes of hubris, ambition, pride and arrogance shine through. The way the deadly sins are handled is both spot on and very, very funny. The guest performer really is put through their paces, and there are little touches to the way this is set up that really make it work. The devil truly is in the details.

The Faustus Project captures the sort of creative anarchy that folk describe as the spirit of the fringe. It’s a mix of late-night cabaret, daft dares and some classic writing that is truly unique and well worth going to see, if you dare.

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Book tickets here. Find out more about the production team here.