John Heimbuch does a splendid job bringing the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf to life in a compact, exciting way. His solo show, now running at the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival, is a classic bit of storytelling, with the actor standing alone on a small, bare stage and weaving a theatrical spell with his charismatic vocal gifts.
Adapted by the late Charlie Bethel (who was also the first actor to perform this challenging solo piece), Beowulf tells an overcoming-the-monster story (think Jaws) in which a hero must battle a huge evil creature (Grendel) to keep it from destroying his community.
King Beowulf defeats the beast, of course, but he can’t rest on his laurels. Lurking in a cave is Grendel’s mother, an even nastier and more deadly monster, one whose bite is lethal. Beowulf goes back into action, but he’s old and weak now, and needs the help of a brave young nobleman, Wiglaf, to kill Mama Grendel. Once that’s done, Beowulf can die with a smile on his face, knowing that his anointed successor Wiglaf will be, like him, a gracious and kind ruler.
Heimbuch tells this story in a crisp and compelling way, using his strong voice and confident stage presence to keep the audience enthralled. He also spices his delivery with witty asides and sly looks that not only change the narrative pace but give the show a welcome intimacy. You’re no longer watching an actor perform but being entertained by a friend.
