That it introduces the phrase ‘flimflaffle’ into the lexicon is all you might want to learn about how ridiculous and enjoyable Incognito Theatre’s The Net Kill is at VAULT Festival
“It’s not going to get weird, is it?”
Who knew the world of badminton may very well be so crammed of derring do? Somewhere close to the top of the nineteenth century, 5 jolly chaps are set about attempting to win the London and South East Amateur League and in addition cope with the frightful information that their favorite pub is about to shut down once they’re requested to place their shuttlecocks down and interact in a secret mission for Queen Vic, to kill the mysterious beast that’s stalking the forests of Gloucestershire.
Such is the world of The Net Kill, delivered to hilarious life by the tight-knit ensemble of Incognito Theatre Company, and directed with actual panache by Catherine Cranfield. It is totally, totally, foolish – recognising that mispronouncing phrases in a complicated voice is endlessly humorous, for instance – however witty with it too, as wildly exaggerated character tropes take us into full-on lycanthropy, a spot of alchemy, even Camelot and the Round Table itself.
Angus Castle-Doughty (Ginger), Charlie MacVicar (Baby), George John (Sporty), Alex Maxwell (Scary) and Daniel Whitlam (Posh) are nice enjoyable to a person, all bringing an actual bodily grace to numerous well-choreographed sequences sprinkled all through. And while the air of Boy’s Own lampooning is ever-present, there’s one thing extra profound right here too, notably in the way it seems to be on the volatility of group dynamics and the potential held inside male friendship.
Cranfield’s manufacturing balances these parts rigorously and skilfully. The ensemble work is as taut as racket strings, the humour is delivered with an earnestly straight bat (mistaken sport, I do know), wide-ranging musical cues add sudden texture, and a late twist reveals this to be the story that The King’s Man might solely hope to be. Enthusiastically entertaining from begin to end.