Reviews of Hitler Alone

From current events to history, with the chilling Hitler Alone. From the moment he enters, screaming, Paul Webster completely inhabits his character, an act of bravery if ever I saw one, not least because rage brings him to near apoplexy. Yet there's nuance and subtlety, too, and Webster's great achievement is in humanising a man too easily dismissed and caricatured as a monster.
Hitler's repugnant views and horrific plans are spotlighted as we tour through history, but also his regrets – that England proved an enemy; that he lost so many friends; that niece Geli, the love of his life, killed herself; and that he can't fathom (or return) Eva Braun's love and loyalty. Like anyone else, Hitler enjoyed retreats to the mountains and nights watching films. It's something we know, intellectually, but is often left out of more cartoonish portraits.

One man’s portrayal of the most hated man in history is more terrifying than any nightmare monster, precisely because of the very real humanity he injects into every fibre of his tour de force performance.

Webster's Hitler is chillingly real.

Hitler Alone ought to be required viewing for anyone who thinks they understand the concept of evil.

The prospect of an hour or so in the company of perhaps the most reviled man in history did not appear at first to offer much of merit to this reviewer. However Paul Webster's tour de force performance of his fascinating one man play rewards in unexpected ways.

It was scaring, mesmerising, and touching!

We were bowled over... a brilliant theatrical experience.

Brilliant scholarship! Brilliant script! Brilliant acting by PW! Unmissable!

..This brilliant show! Webster's remarkable acting-technique, research and knowledge.

I just cannot believe what I have seen in this show! Brilliant! I have been to Edinburgh Fringe shows for at least 8 years and this is to my mind outstanding!

Webster's achievement, combining the roles of playwright and actor, is impressive... he holds attention with polished finesse. His account of Hitler's history is wide-ranging and performed with intense energy.

Webster keeps a tiny venue in hushed awe as Germany's charismatic Führer - he shows the man within the monster.

Webster uses his voice to stunning effect... we hear the sweet timbre of reason and then, coming out of nowhere,the pulverizing rages. Webster is a magnetic figure. At the end, on a dying fall, that unforgettable voice proclaims: ”Waste, waste, waste”, as he goes forward into the final darkness.”

Astonishing!

It's an intense hour we share with Paul Webster who triumphs in his portrayal of Hitler, a dark, delicate balancing act, a furious possession of the stage, a sophisticated monologue, looking upon the very gates of hell.

The depth of research that Webster must have done for this piece is quite astounding. A noble effort, which shows real brilliance and panache.

A highly-focused and very professional act - and a thorough lesson in the often-neglected details of history.

True to life... a marvellous performance.

Bruno Ganz has a stunning presence on screen, and in the flesh Webster is exuding the same hunched, manic energy. If you're into history and great acting I can recommend this show highly. A not-to-missed experience.

The performance is utterly captivating... an admirable outstanding effort.

An extraordinary acting achievement by Paul Webster. Hitler Alone is a fantastic production for its dramatic skill and historical integrity.

An extraordinary acting achievement by Paul Webster. Hitler Alone is a fantastic production for its dramatic skill and historical integrity.

What a darkly powerful undertaking by Paul Webster! A lifetime of research must have gone into the development of this monologue. Portraying evil is a challenge, and it is courageous and admirable to do it on this level.

Solo show written and brilliantly performed by Paul Webster. This is a striking physical performance up close and in a small room, showing that great theatre can come from just one performer and a chair.

Fantastic. A tour de force acting performance that leaves you engrossed throughout. Definitely recommended.

This is a unique experience. His face is still staring down at me and I can feel the intensity of his presence. A truely great performance.