Before I start this review I think we need to address the most important question that everyone is thinking…
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Whatever you may think (it’s definitely a Christmas movie just FYI) you will have a blast watching this clever rewrite of the cult classic, even if you haven’t seen Die Hard (as one person in the crowd admits early on)
Darrel Bailey stars in this one man (and a bear) show, in the shape of a long love poem of two intertwined stories. One is set in the real world and one is retelling the Nakatomi Plaza story with a twist or two on the narrative.
Darrel is incredible at switching between characters, mimicking the mannerisms and accents of each one he introduces and you can tell there are some big fans of the film in the crowd by the cheers as the main characters are added into the mix.
Of the many characters played out my personal favourite is Hans Gruber – Darrel mimics the late great Alan Rickman’s accent and mannerisms from the film perfectly – very closely followed by his second in command Karl where he uses the perfect mix of clever words and physical comedy.
On that note, don’t let the fact this is basically an hour or so long poem fool you into thinking it won’t be much to look at.
Throwing himself (literally at times) into each role as they speak their piece there are some serious physical demands on the actor and it is no wonder that more than once a towel is reached for to mop that brow.
A special mention must be had for the people behind the scenes at this show too.
The lighting and sound effects are excellent and add so much to the whole proceeding. They create a different feel on stage each time it switches stories, and the sound effects during the narrative and light effects during gunfights and explosions add so much.
Die Hard Parody is a well written and well executed performance that you’ll enjoy whether you know the movie or not, but if you are a fan of this movie then you will absolutely adore it.
4 Stars
Yippee Ki Yay (the Die Hard parody)
17:45
Gilded Balloon at the Museum – Auditorium
Aug 10-15, 17-22, 24-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/yippee-ki-yay-the-die-hard-parody
