December 10, 2008
What ever else The Reality Show was, it certainly was no ordinary night out. I knew from the start that this was going to be different, but I grossly underestimated the sheer level of oddity which would be my lot this night. 'Small Pond Theatre' set the stage for what was surely one of the strangest experiences of my year, and I wholeheartedly urge anyone who comes across this one-man Theatre Group to firmly stake their claim: 'Front row centre, please!'
The basic concept of the evening was that local actors, with little fore-warning and a grab bag of assorted props, would listen to the audience's experiences related to climate change and enact these in improvised drama pieces.
I gather that the aim of the show was to stimulate and inspire the audience to think upon these vital issues. I'm afraid that, for me at least, the show failed at this task. Despite valiant efforts to guide the performance by the chairman, focus on the issues could be not maintained in the face of audience members who all seemed to have their own personal axes to grind.
Nevertheless, as a piece of entertainment the show was top-notch. When the action eventually got going the result was hilarious improvised comedy, surprisingly reminiscent of the show Whose Line is it Anyway?. The raw talent in the room was obvious.
Remember however that the improvised pieces were based upon audience members' contributions. This, combined with the bizarre subjects which contributions had to be about (can you think of an inspirational environmentally-related moment in your life?), resulted in sheer madness. Mad, mad, mad. But good! But mad. This was certainly no standard night out at the Theatre.
The astounding quality of the actors' improvising ability, combined with the disjointed scenarios thrust upon them, resulted in what could only be described as a hilarious train wreck. I have not laughed so hard, and with such a genuine amusement, for a long time. My cheeks actually hurt. Really, they did. And this is pretty lucky, because it did well to distract me from the occasional stomach twisting cringe due to patchy audience participation.
I had a great night out. You would have too, whoever you are. Hopefully, with some positive feedback, and some luck, Jonny Hoskins (who is Small Pond Theatre) will grace Oxford with his presence again. If he does, I will be there, front row centre. Not to be missed.
The basic concept of the evening was that local actors, with little fore-warning and a grab bag of assorted props, would listen to the audience's experiences related to climate change and enact these in improvised drama pieces.
I gather that the aim of the show was to stimulate and inspire the audience to think upon these vital issues. I'm afraid that, for me at least, the show failed at this task. Despite valiant efforts to guide the performance by the chairman, focus on the issues could be not maintained in the face of audience members who all seemed to have their own personal axes to grind.
Nevertheless, as a piece of entertainment the show was top-notch. When the action eventually got going the result was hilarious improvised comedy, surprisingly reminiscent of the show Whose Line is it Anyway?. The raw talent in the room was obvious.
Remember however that the improvised pieces were based upon audience members' contributions. This, combined with the bizarre subjects which contributions had to be about (can you think of an inspirational environmentally-related moment in your life?), resulted in sheer madness. Mad, mad, mad. But good! But mad. This was certainly no standard night out at the Theatre.
The astounding quality of the actors' improvising ability, combined with the disjointed scenarios thrust upon them, resulted in what could only be described as a hilarious train wreck. I have not laughed so hard, and with such a genuine amusement, for a long time. My cheeks actually hurt. Really, they did. And this is pretty lucky, because it did well to distract me from the occasional stomach twisting cringe due to patchy audience participation.
I had a great night out. You would have too, whoever you are. Hopefully, with some positive feedback, and some luck, Jonny Hoskins (who is Small Pond Theatre) will grace Oxford with his presence again. If he does, I will be there, front row centre. Not to be missed.