Bane 4

Joe Bone has taken his antihero Bruce Bane through film noir, sci fi drama, and classic tragedy in previous shows – this time attention is turned to Bane’s origin story. Bane has battled more than his fair share of demons, he’s literally and emotionally battered, so when a possible exit from his war torn existence is thrown up it offers the chance of sweet relief – and an opportunity to find out how Bane became the man we see before us.

As nuanced and detailed as ever in his one-man performance, mixing humour with pathos, three-dimensional characters at a glance, and more – this is another fine turn from Bone. All of the elements are there for a fine story, although the structure is less strongly arced than in previous Bane shows. It hangs a little more on knowledge of previous plots, which may be tricky for fresh Bane initiates, and – like many origins tales – focuses more on the ‘why’ than the present tale.

And the ending. No spoilers, but like the character himself the cinematic gloss has rubbed off, leaving us closer to the tragedy – and the man – that is Bruce Bane.

The Warren, 22 May 2016

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