It's an ambitious task to take on Eugene O'Neil's 1921 story, The Hairy Ape. With over-the-top characters, key audio cues and a deep cast of characters, this one requires perfect timing, delivery and quality performances. Unfortunately, this version of the play, by Wild Oranges Theatre Company, lacks most of these elements - at least at this early days of the Fringe festival. With multiple missed audio cues and occasional background clips that drown out the performers' voices, it's often difficult for the audience to make out what is being said on stage. While the ambitious lead in the play is fully committed to his role, many of the backing players are either inaudible or stumbling over each others' lines. A little longer in the coal burner, for this one.

Two and a half out of five stars.