Words of Honour: The Mafia Exposed

Real Mafiosi don't call it the Mafia, apparently. They're not Mafiosi either, but rather "men of honour", or simply, "soldiers". The Mafia is the creation of Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, a convenient word used by the media to give a simple name to an all-too-complicated reality. The aim of this show is to give us know-nothings an insight into the infamous organisation more properly called "Cosa Nostra".

As an educational experience, Words of Honour is commendable. Based on Attiilio Bolzoni's book, it's packed full of gory trivia – did you know they use orange thorns to break traitors' fingers? Most of the time it takes the form of a glorified Powerpoint presentation led by the charming Marco Gambino, who plays roles including a snitch, a Capo dei Capi, a hitman, and so on. He stands in front of a screen, which is well-used both to add atmosphere (on occasion the stage becomes an orchard or a courthouse) and to illustrate his points. At one point Google Maps appears, as Gambino points out which streets in Palermo are under Mafia control.

As drama, however, the show disappoints. All of Gambino's characters seem to blend into one generic gangster, unified by Gambino's outlandish high-pitched giggle. Occasional set pieces add colour, and scenes when Gambino is joined onstage by his long-suffering gangster wife liven things up, although perhaps the meagre roles open to gangsters' wives limit this actor's scope. But this assortment of trivia and anecdotes, though often fascinating, fails to coalesce into something capable of really holding the audience's attention.