Anna Burnside reviews a production with ‘some strong musical jokes and whimsies’.
Ludwig sits at his Roland keyboard in knee breeches, frock coat and buckled shoes. He talks us round his name - in 1770s Bonn, Ludwig was as common as Colin. His surname translates as “from the beetroot field”. And so we meet Beethoven at home with his piano, musing on his childhood, ongoing rivalries and the back stories to some of his most memorable compositions.
Creator and performer Mike Hatchard ranges across the keys as he pings around the eminent composer’s life. His ability to shit talk his rivals while playing his own live soundtrack is the most impressive aspect of this show.
There are some strong musical jokes and whimsies: the bit where he talks us through rejected beginnings to Fur Elise is both funny and clever. He speculates on which current artists most closely resemble his contemporary rivals. Mozart, his most consistent bugbear, is Abba while he sees himself as the 18th century’s Elton John.
Overall, the narrative is baggy and could use a clearer timeline and more coherent themes. But when it comes to compositional gags and improvisation on four notes suggested by the audience, Hatchard is hard to beet.
Ludwig: Unfinished Business performs at Assembly St Andrews Square (Front Room) at 12:35 (60 mins) until 30 August 2026. For further details, go to Assembly’s website.
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