The Bread and the Beer @ Underbelly Cowgate
Written and performed by Tristan Bernays, The Bread and the Beer tells the story of John Barleycorn, a decadent figure of myth and legend akin to Dionysus, who awakens from his slumber to find himself in 21st century London. The green and pleasant land is no more and has been replaced by a never-ending horizon of grey steel and glass. It only takes one night for John to spread his own brand of mischief and bring the city to its feet in revelry and chaos.
It’s a complete cliché to use the term “force of nature” in relation to this one man piece, but it’s an entirely fitting description of Bernays’ work. Emerging from the audience with a pint in hand and a mischievous grin, Bernays spins an effortlessly eloquent tale full of beautiful turns of phrase that beg to be listened to over and over again. The monologue switches between characters and each is given a distinctive voice and personality that differentiates them from one another, a simple but much needed inclusion. His presence, charm and physicality are a perfect embodiment of a charismatic god who can level a city with a mere nod, as he manically veers between the comedic and the dramatic. His style harks back to that of a traditional Greek chorus, both gleeful and brutally honest, and it’s not difficult to become totally absorbed in his tale.
Some moments jar and it can be tough to keep up with Bernays’ mile a minute tongue. This is definitely a show that demands 100% of your attention. The Bread and the Beer sweeps you up in its poetic elegance and energy and holds on tight for the entire hour. Bernays’ work is deserving of a raised glass or two.