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# REVIEW: Audio comedy series – The Barren Author
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/review-audio-comedy-series-the-barren-author/
- Published: 2020-11-11T15:55:42.000Z
- Updated: 2020-11-12T10:03:34.000Z
- Description: Brian Butler marvels at the wonderful world of a 2020 Baron Munchausen
- Author: Brian Butler
- Tags: Arts, Comedy, Queer Corner, Reviews, Theatre

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/123236927_2600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/feature-lockdown-larder-1/attachment/123236927%5F2600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

It’s a glib comment that radio is a visual medium , but Spiteful Puppet’s latest audio series, starring Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien is a marvellously vivid adventure in your mind’s eye.

Writer Paul Birch has taken the mad 18th century fantasist Baron Munchausen and brought him up to date , recounting his manuscript memoirs over Zoom to his long-suffering publisher Smith, played by ex Doctor Who star Sophie Aldred.

The great thing about this wonderful six-part audio series is that with voice and sound effects producer/director Barney Eaton- Jones can conjure up via our imagination anywhere in the world from the South Pole to Canada, via Belarus and East Berlin – from the ice-caps to a ship, the roof of Norte Dame cathedral , an underwater hell, an Elton John concert and the National Portrait Gallery.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/richard-obrien-sophie-aldred600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/feature-lockdown-larder-1/attachment/richard-obrien-sophie-aldred600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

The plot is ridiculous , full stop. But what O’Brien as our hero , the Brigadier manages to pull off with his plummy, dramatic and crazy range of character voices is a joyous 3 hours of escapism – and who doesn’t need that right now in lockdown 2?

So we get a bewildering torrent of anecdotes, which the hapless Smith tries to make sense of. It’s clear along the way that we are listening to a brilliant maniac , and as he carries us along with his tidal wave of recollections, inventions and half-truths, we are just fascinated.

Prepare for the Turin shroud Worn as a toga , the theft of a Picasso, a rampaging bison, wolves, jellyfish, antibiotics that will save the world, Neo-Fascist 4th Reich supporters , and even the re-creation of life from death.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/123236927600400.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/theatre/feature-lockdown-larder-1/attachment/123236927600400/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

It’s a broad canvas and yet like a Monty Python episode on speed, we go along with the premise. Richard O’Brien is simply outstanding and Barney is promising a sequel series if this one sells – go out and buy it, if only to keep me happy.

Purchase details are at [www.spitefulpuppet.com](https://spitefulpuppet.com/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)