Bane 1, 2 & 3

The Bane trilogy - a one man tribute to film noir and American gangsters featuring hitman Bruce Bane who ‘always gets his man’ in a series of perilous exploits - is a cult hit and perennial favourite with Fringe goers. In Bane 2, Bane must fight an old schoolmate who has been changed into a super-villain by toxic waste. It’s all the thrills and spills of a comic book with a story of friendship at its heart, plus one awesome dude who dispatches bodies left, right, and centre.

Performer Joe Bone works up a sweat as he switches between characters, each with precise physicalities and perfectly pitched vocals. It is always enjoyable to watch someone working hard and Bone has to work like an athlete in this. Of course that’s not the only reason this is enjoyable. It is also funny and exciting - well balanced between parody and tribute. Much of the humour lies in the transferral of film techniques to bare bones staging. There is no need for set or props when you have an actor this skilled and prepared to work that hard. As the audience invest so much with their imaginations in the performance, the story can go anywhere and do anything, allowing for instantaneous scene changes and cinematic cutting between characters and situations.

Kudos must also go to Ben Roe, the guitarist who scores the action live on stage. His strumming builds atmosphere and energy, perfectly complementing the unravelling action.

The crowd lap it up and it is easy to see why. At Fringe 2012 Bone has performed Bane 1 and 2, with Bane 3 running for the rest of the month. There is no need to have seen these in the correct order, each will be enjoyable as a stand alone event. See it if you get the chance.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

Joe Bone brings the multi award-winning Bane trilogy back to Edinburgh, with an extended run of Bane 3. One-man, no set, no props with a live soundtrack from Ben Roe. See www.pleasance.co.uk for performance information.

Most Popular See More

Frozen the Musical

From £36.00

More Info

Find Tickets

SIX

From £39.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Phantom of the Opera

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Book of Mormon

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Matilda the Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets