Madness kicked off their performance with "The Theater of the Absurd," a captivating piece that set the tone for the evening. The Prologue, written and composed by Barson, was performed live on stage against a backdrop of "Waiting for Godot" with various masked characters, adding a visually compelling layer to the music.

When I first encountered this track during the "Two Mad Men and a String Quartet" live performance in June 2020, I found it somewhat incoherent and difficult to connect with. Three years later, my perception hasn't changed much. Despite the band's evident hard work, the lyrics and singing still feel disjointed, and the instrumentation bears a resemblance to "The Liberty of Norton Folgate."

However, it's worth noting the band's dedication to bringing this complex composition to life. Their effort to hold the piece together, despite its challenging elements, demonstrates their commitment to their craft and their willingness to experiment with new artistic directions.