-Written by Kyle Bain.
The London International Mime Festival began in 1977, and in 2023 the festival came to an end. It was London’s longest running stage show, and it brought together artists and fans from around the world. The Last Show discusses the emotional journey of knowing that something that has been a staple, that has appealed to so many people, is finally coming to an end.
In just over thirty minutes, The Last Show succinctly covers the long history of this festival, of this artform, and of the love that has been poured into it for years. Mime carries with it a stigma, and one that I imagine has the potential to be debilitating not just to individuals, but to the artform as a whole. Mime is a unique way of expressing yourself, there’s no doubt about that, and while it certainly appeals to a very specific audience–it has a place, but I’m not entirely sure that the masses always subscribe to this idea. I don’t know if there’s necessarily any ill will, but rather it’s something that flies under the radar and fails to appeal to a wider audience.
I say all of that to say that The Last Show is not only tasked with simply articulating the facts, but developing a true understanding of the emotional connection that many artists have to their craft. The Last Show is direct, often staying away from providing heavy moments of emotion. The emotion comes out naturally, and viewers will easily be able to see this, to understand this. Director Lisle Turner sticks to simplicity, and allows the audience to discover the emotion for themselves.
I’d venture to guess that, just like me, when the film was over, mime is still questionable as something that’s truly entertaining. I feel that Turner knows this is a strong possibility among his audience–and looks to make sure that, subtly and effectively, emotion is the star of the show. In order for The Last Show to be successful, viewers have to feel what the interviewees feel, but that emotion can’t feel forced or hyperbolic. Again, Turner does a wonderful job of keeping this documentary grounded and accessible.
Art remains subjective, and there’s nothing that can be done to change that. The team behind The Last Show harnesses this feeling and allows their film to be realized by the ones for which it was made. The Last Show is simple, a beautiful, touching tribute to the arts–extending beyond mime. Turner captures the essence of the artform, effectively brings out the best in his interviewees, and develops a documentary that showcases the importance of art as a whole.
Directed by Lisle Turner.
Starring Adrian Berry, Ali King, Alistair Spalding, Amit Lahav, Andy Lavender, etc.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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