David Bowie’s Goblin King from the film Labyrinth is completely iconic, well-known for his sneer, his bulging trousers and, after all, that mullet. Now, within the suitably atmospheric house that’s The Vaults, he’s authentically reproduced in Sleeping Trees’ incredible comedy mash up, Peter Pan’s Labyrinth. Well, once I say authentically, he’s performed by a drag queen. And the bulge is considerably bigger. Admittedly, the drag queen is the fabulously horny Dan Wye, who truly does Bowie higher than Bowie did himself. The Goblin King is bored, searching for somebody whose life he can mess with. Enter fairy…
Rating
Excellent
A-maze-ing and Surreal. This re-imagining of iconic adventures will go away you aching with laughter.
David Bowie’s Goblin King from the film Labyrinth is completely iconic, well-known for his sneer, his bulging trousers and, after all, that mullet. Now, within the suitably atmospheric house that’s The Vaults, he’s authentically reproduced in Sleeping Trees’ incredible comedy mash up, Peter Pan’s Labyrinth. Well, once I say authentically, he’s performed by a drag queen. And the bulge is considerably bigger. Admittedly, the drag queen is the fabulously horny Dan Wye, who truly does Bowie higher than Bowie did himself.
The Goblin King is bored, searching for somebody whose life he can mess with. Enter fairy story legend, Peter Pan. We comply with Peter (James Dunnell-Smith), now made previous and off form by David Bowie, by means of the labyrinth as he seeks to save lots of Tinkerbell from marrying his archrival, Captain Hook. En-route we meet all of the acquainted figures we all know and love from the Jim Henson/George Lucas movie (plus a little bit of Pan’s Labyrinth thrown in as a distraction). Although they’re maybe portrayed barely in another way from the way you may bear in mind them… Joshua Smith and John Woodburn are unimaginable as nearly ALL the opposite characters – typically human, typically puppet, however all the time hilarious.
How can one thing so low tech be so refined? From googly eyes to sleeping baggage, the props are crap, however the efficiency as a complete is exquisitely fashioned and makes the bizarre completely extraordinary. Word play, puns and cultural references give wonderful depth, elevating what on the floor seems to be shallow nonsense into a powerful comedy triumph that’s completely on model for Sleeping Trees.
It’s a intelligent mixture of traditional tales, brilliantly executed with good comedian timing by a extremely proficient ensemble. And they’re clearly having a lot enjoyable. You can’t assist however take part. The viewers engagement is straightforward however completely satisfying, involving grapes, lasagne and churros amongst different issues.
The present is cheeky, surreal, outlandish and ridiculous, however on the similar time warmly referential of the supply supplies. Like a labyrinth, even its type takes a number of paths, confusingly defying definition: it’s so many issues, together with parts of fantastic bodily theatre, cabaret, drag, panto and puppetry. The narrative too is remarkably complicated and interwoven; unapologetically nonsensical and weird, however oh so humorous. The viewers is consistently stunned, with characters and concepts reappearing, or popping again up on themselves to nice comedian impact. And the stupidity of all of it actually will get you emotionally engaged with the characters in sudden methods: who would have thought you’d really feel sorry for a singing rest room?
Maeve Black’s fabulous set design makes unimaginable use of the distinctive cellar venue. Starting from a compact cabaret space it regularly leads the viewers’s focus outwards, exploring with the characters on their journey, till lastly staging stunningly extravagant entrances for the Goblin King. It is stuffed with hidden pockets of pleasure, with disguised options revealed and flaps opening to introduce new characters. Even the bar house doubles up as a catwalk. Additionally, spectacular lighting by Clancy Flynn offers epic worth to blatantly unexceptional props and characters, whereas Ben Hales’ unimaginable soundtrack has us all bopping alongside to Bowie’s best hits.
This is a side-splittingly hilarious manufacturing and (together with the themed cocktails!) makes for an awesome night’s leisure. If you solely get one comedy evening out this Christmas, ensure that Peter Pan’s Labyrinth is the present you see. It will go away you aching with laughter!
Written by Sleeping Trees
Dramaturgy by Shenoah Allen
Set design by Maeve Black
Lighting design by Clancy Flynn
Sound design by Ben Hales
Produced by Alice Carter & The Vaults
Peter Pan’s Labyrinth performs at The Vaults till 7 January. Further info and bookings will be discovered right here.