Angie Johnson on a show touring several local venues Following a great success with their inaugural production, The Government Inspector, Flintlock Theatre’s latest show also draws inspiration from a classic novel.

This time it is Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote and dramatist Anna Glynn has taken an original approach to the famous story of the deluded would-be knight errant and his humorous adventures. Her hero, Don Q, is Norman an elderly bibliophile, played with manic energy by Samuel Davies, who has become obsessed with the chivalric epic. His erratic behaviour leads to him being incarcerated in an old people’s home but with the help of his friend Sam, his very own Sancho Panza, he breaks out to have one last adventure. Flintlock is a company of talented physical theatre performers and this show provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Within a minimalistic set, designed by director Robin Colyer (composed of a doorway and a stepladder!) the cast cleverly conjure up the varied locations of the story with a few props and plenty of creativity. I found the performance of Jeremy Barlow as a street yob, capuchin monk and burger flipper all rolled into one, particularly strong.

Enthusiastic exponents of audience participation, Flintlock have sprinkled the evening with interaction . . . people are given lines to read and are pulled onstage to become part of the action — all good fun. Even those not singled out for special attention were made to feel part of the show — during the interval the cast came rushing into the bar and regaled us with a mini-cabaret of songs. Music is an important feature of the production. A variety of styles from jazz to contemporary classical thread their way through the evening and are an important part of the mis èn scene.

Don Q is coming to several local venues during the current tour and is worth an outing.