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14 March 2024
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3***
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I have a feeling of déjà vu. A month ago I reviewed a production of ‘The Time Machine’ – or a version there of – with a small cast playing multiple parts, the audience being called upon to participate in the production both on and off stage – including one asked to paint a portrait of someone – the action interrupted by technical issues and the director and the original story not really bearing much relevance to the entertainment on offer. Imagine my surprise at seeing all these element appearing in Say It Again, Sorry?’s production of the Oscar Wilde classic!
Mmmmmmm it’s all a bit odd isn’t it? This type of theatrical schtick seems to be fairly widespread these days, but has, to a degree been around for some time and I am afraid I am a bit of a hard nut to crack.
This production though does take things that bit further than some; as a ‘performance’ of the play begins, the leading man isn’t in evidence and so a member of the audience is recruited to take on the role of Jack Worthing. As the play continues, further members of the cast fall by the wayside and by the end the whole play is being performed by those who thought they were to stay in their seats throughout. The new recruits are guided through their roles and it is from this that the comedy derives. This is never going to be easy, but such is the solidity of the (rewritten) script and the skills and quick wittedness of the actors, that the show succeeds in producing an entertainment which is fun and smart.
The laying of the ground for what gradually builds throughout is painfully slow and the first half is some 15 minutes too long; the engagement of the audience needs to be snappier; I was lost almost as soon as the show began, probably, in part, because I guessed what was coming.
As with ‘The Time Machine’ I tip my hat to the performers who brought the vast majority of the audience to gales of laughter and that is a fine achievement and the Company must be kept on their toes nightly as the unpredictable nature of audience members on stage will offer new challenges, laughs and opportunities for improvisation. On the night I was present the members of the audience were very game and despite the initial foreboding seemed to grow into their roles!
Sadly with no programme offered – neither a booklet, free sheet or digital version – I am unable to name any of the performers on stage nor any of the creatives – what a pity.
Yes, this is not your usual kind of theatre and the large audiences it gathers is testament to the work the Company creates and the experience of performing this particular show, which goes back five years.
This is an example of skilled comedic performance, offered by a talented troupe and they carry the show off to great effect. However, for me the format has worn thin; I have seen it too often – and twice in five weeks is way too often.
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Cast & Creative
No information provided.
