Review: The Night Ali Died (Ingrams Yard, Ventnor Fringe)

The Night Ali Died is a solo play written and performed by Chris Sainton-Clark, and brought to the stage by Raising Cain Productions. I reviewed this show on my last night at Ventnor Fringe. Recounting in detail the activities of three other characters – including a mob boss and a detective - as well as the titular Ali, this was a show I was excited to see.

Ali is working in a chemistry lab alongside his friend, and he realises, unlike his own life that he perceives as boring, his mate is living on the edge by using the lab for extra-curricular MDMA creation once everyone else has gone home. Making a decision you instantly realise is not going to end well, Ali decides to investigate what is going on.

I am typically a fan of thrillers but I did wonder before seeing this show how one person could perform a rounded story and create enough impact for the genre. However, this was far from an issue in this production, as multiple characters were portrayed, four of them central to the story and then with accomplished performance, others were involved in scenes which took my breath away, one such moment being when there was a punch which lead to Ali flying onto the floor post-impact. Similarly when Ali followed his friend to a drug drop off and then investigated the scene, the use of mime to clearly show Ali investigating the drop off location was visually brilliant.

The characters are easily distinguishable due to the use of slight costume tweaks, varying accents and movement differences, and it would have been easy to forget that there was only one actor on the stage.

The pacing was perfect, with only slight pauses in blackout due to the switch between point of view – and honestly the audience needed those pauses to get their breath back as otherwise there was non-stop action during  the show.

The lighting design was superb, particularly during the scenes when characters were driving. Similarly the sound design was fitting for the show and the combination of the two was cinematic in nature. With perfectly timed delivery of both from Daisy den Engelse, the lighting and sound were a fantastic addition to this performance. Knowing the production company have hopes of seeing this story brought to life in film means the directorial choices make absolute sense, and it is very easy to imagine this story translating well into the medium of film.

This is the sort of show that surprises at a fringe festival due to the fact it looks about as polished as you can get, with unexpectedly developed lighting and sound, and every moment having an impact. With the performance also being flawless, this is a well packaged production, and it makes me want to see more by Raising Cain Productions.

A must-see for thriller fans.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Night Ali Died is going to Edinburgh Fringe from 7-29 August. Tickets are available via the EdFringe website.

If you would like to see my curtain call photographs from this and other shows, please visit my Instagram.

I was gifted a ticket for this show in exchange for an honest review.