THE tortured artist, teetering on the precipice of insanity, is a dramatic convention given fresh impetus in the Cheltenham Experimental Drama Society's presentation of The King in Yellow at the town's Playhouse Theatre.
Set in an alternative 1922 America, at once reminiscent of yet foreshadowing the rise of fascism that burgeoned in the 20s and 30s, the play charts the mental turmoil of the painter Hildred Castaigne, played by Steve Evans.
Castaigne, already scarred by mental illness, toys dangerously with King in Yellow - a play within the play - banned by a totalitarian government and which only fuels the artist's gradual descent into despair and damnation.
As he lurches into his mental tailspin, plagued along the way by visions of siren-like spirits and paranoia mounting with recurring glimpses of a beggar, events begin to take a more sinister turn. Presented in an intimate venue, there are solid supporting performances, from the experienced Mike Charlton as Mr Wilde, the "repairer of reputations", to the promising Jennifer Jones, as Castaigne's model, Tessie.
The King in Yellow runs until Wednesday. The performance beigns at 8pm. Tickets cost £4 on the door or are availabe from Dan Watt on 01242 226990.
REVIEW BY PETER McMILLAN
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