I Found My Horn at Trafalgar Studios

Based on a book by Jasper Rees, I Found My Horn follows the protagonist of the same name shortly after the demise of his marriage as he endeavours to inject a bit of life back into his miserable, high-cholesterol existence. This one-man show centres around a forgotten French horn and its potential healing powers through the channels of music.

Writer Jonathan Guy Lewis single-handedly takes on the role of Rees, as well as five or six other characters, as he acts and narrates the humble storyline. After stumbling across his beloved French horn, Jasper embarks on a year-long challenge to relearn Mozart’s Horn Concerto No 3 K447 to play at the British Horn Society’s annual concert. During Rees’ journey the audience are treated to flashback memoirs, an insight into Rees’  and his son Daniel’s strained relationship, as well as an introduction to other colourful characters who aid him en route to personal musical enlightenment.

The play is accompanied with pieces from the musical greats: Wagner, Beethoven, Schubert, Handel, and of course Mozart. The musical accompaniment elevates Rees to the dizzying heights of an entertaining masterpiece — a burden Lewis is able to carry with seemingly no trouble. Lewis’ performance is mesmerising and utterly compelling. The audience are transfixed by his performance as he relearns – like Bambi taking his first steps again – to make music. With a plethora of talent beneath his charismatic exterior, he convincingly impersonates the other characters, bringing them alive right before the appreciative audience.

Switching deftly between characters, Lewis has brought to life Rees’ story. With minimal prop intrusion and a straight running time of 85 minutes, it is no wonder that I Found My Horn was such a fabulous success last time.  If you need an introduction to one-man theatre productions, Jasper Rees and Jonathan Guy Lewis are the go-to gentlemen.

Jennifer Atkinson
Photos: Gavin Watson

I Found My Horn is on at Trafalgar Studios until 3^rd May 2014, for further information or to book visit here.