Bagbeard begins with two staff in hazard fits, arguing hilariously about burgers. They mumble comically, however helpfully there are subtitles projected onto the black display behind them so the viewers can observe their ridiculous dialog. This opening scene units up the remainder of the play as addictively absurd. It solely will get higher from right here. Michael Clarke performs a failing scientist referred to as Chris Mystery (NOT Christmas Tree) who has one final probability to be accepted into the Institute of Brilliant Scientists, or IBS, as it’s amusingly referred to. As luck would have it, Chris stumbles throughout a monosyllabic alien (James…
Rating
Unmissable!
With a plot twist so absurd you’ll by no means guess it, Bagbeard is the proper combination of silliness and sci-fi.
Bagbeard begins with two staff in hazard fits, arguing hilariously about burgers. They mumble comically, however helpfully there are subtitles projected onto the black display behind them so the viewers can observe their ridiculous dialog. This opening scene units up the remainder of the play as addictively absurd. It solely will get higher from right here.
Michael Clarke performs a failing scientist referred to as Chris Mystery (NOT Christmas Tree) who has one final probability to be accepted into the Institute of Brilliant Scientists, or IBS, as it’s amusingly referred to. As luck would have it, Chris stumbles throughout a monosyllabic alien (James Gault, carrying solely pants and a plastic bag) within the desolate woods. His plans are skewered although, as good-looking FBI agent, Victor Valentine (Ed Jones), competes for the alien’s consideration.
We meet loads of different characters alongside the way in which. Gault, Clarke and Jones manically change behind the central black display, including to the perimeter really feel of the present. Within the pagan-esque neighborhood there’s a literal city cryer, a woke vicar, a corrupt mayor and an owl, simply to call just a few. There is singing, an surprising romance and a nonsensical shadow present involving lion excrement. But the pièce de résistance is the hysterical flashback scenes and glimpses into the long run, full with unbelievable miming, which may have you crying with laughter.
Random particulars littered all through the present, and ludicrous anecdotes that appear irrelevant, are mirrored upon and defined via intelligent punchlines.
The disguises are deliciously home-made and easy. The performers primarily depend on slapstick and accents to persuade the viewers that they’ve swapped characters. Although having stated that, the owl costume will hang-out me for a number of weeks to return.
The stage is small and fundamental, however this doesn’t matter; it’s used properly. Similarly, the lighting is efficient. From a pitch-black alien-hunting scene with solely flashlights illuminating the actor’s faces, to the purple flashing lights mimicking flames, Crybabies have considered every thing. The solely draw back was that the sound was a bit off –barely too loud and fuzzy – however undoubtedly this will likely be mounted for the upcoming performances.
Having missed Bagbeard eventually yr’s Edinburgh Fringe, I used to be thrilled to catch it on the Soho Theatre. Originally supposed to complete this Saturday, on account of demand Bagbeard may have a second run in March and justifiably so; there was barely a second when the viewers weren’t laughing. Even penning this evaluate, I discover myself snorting on the reminiscence of it and I’m certain it’ll take me a very long time to cease chuckling to myself each time I see a bag for all times (one of the best pun of the present).
Written by: James Gault, Michael Clarke and Ed Jones
Crybabies: Bagbeard performs at The Soho Theatre between 16 – 21 Jan after which 7 – 11 March. Further info and bookings may be discovered right here.