So it is the final day of Pulse15 Ipswich and the past ten days have flown-by…I have been mesmerised by the “Barely Methodical Troupe” with Bromance on the opening night, followed by the hugely thought provoking and amusing Jonny Donahoe in “Every Thing Brilliant”. And with numerous other memorable performances along the way including “Stand” and the disturbing “Ted Bundy Project” I was not so sure about the choice of our final show…..I, Malvolio? Shakespeare?

The pre-show images of a man dressed as a “Turkey Cock” in pee stained underwear with a very inappropriate/appropriate split crotch was both curious and disturbing. And what on earth had this to do with Shakespeare. Well, it was everything to do with Shakespeare and Tim Crouch’s performance was magnificent. For a spell binding 60 minutes (plus slippage) the audience were used, abused, humiliated and thoroughly shamed in a manner that felt completely acceptable and hilariously funny.

Tim, drew upon every reaction within the audience and enjoyed full participation from Jo the Usher, Coughing Woman, Unsuspecting man reading programme, Tim The Hangman, Kirsty the Hangman’s Assistant and the Bottom Kicking Boy who poked instead of side-footed (if you were there you will know what I mean) plus sock pulling man, shoe pushing man and jacket humping woman… All far too complicated to explain but suffice to say if you ever get the opportunity to see this simply brilliant one-man show it is an absolute must see. And is if by magic I also managed to understand the complexity of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

In the final act revenge was sweet for I, Malvolio, the compliant audience remained seated for several moments after the stage had been cleared…how very funny indeed!

Thank you Tim Crouch for sharing this fabulous performance with the people of Ipswich, please return soon we would like to enjoy more of your comic theatrical genius.