October 20, 2009
There was no bolt in anyone’s neck as far as I could spot in this highly entertaining spoof horror comedy, but there was plenty else. Inspired by above all the 1930s horror films of James Whales (Frankenstein and Bride of Frankestein), the Gonzo Moose theatre company devised, improvised and wrote their play in a month, and are now touring it round southern Britain.
In the after-show talk, the three actors described how they all came from a background of physical comedy, improvisation, and clowning. Clowning isn't, they admitted, particularly fashionable at present, but it certainly worked for the audience at Didcot’s Cornerstone Arts Centre. This was the first time I had visited, but it won't be the last (I hope). This is a fresh, modern space which deserves support.
The three actors gave us a highly energetic, well timed, and very creative show, quickly creating the rapport with the audience essential to determining the success of a performance. A group of children aged 8 or 9 coming out at the end were buzzing with excitement, yet the majority of audience were adults who clearly loved what they saw. There were many highlights. My wife loved the gargoyle scenes (Mark Conway desperately wanting to be scary, but failing comically). My favourite was Angus Barr dancing with his limp dead wife Cariad Lloyd. Or maybe it was the exploding spider scene? Or was it the forks in the head revivification scene? There was so much to choose from. Such a shame it was only in Didcot for one night - it is however coming to Fritwell on the 24th, and will also visit the Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury on the 31st. If you’ve got kids aged 8 and up they’re the perfect excuse to go - but honestly, they aren’t essential!
In the after-show talk, the three actors described how they all came from a background of physical comedy, improvisation, and clowning. Clowning isn't, they admitted, particularly fashionable at present, but it certainly worked for the audience at Didcot’s Cornerstone Arts Centre. This was the first time I had visited, but it won't be the last (I hope). This is a fresh, modern space which deserves support.
The three actors gave us a highly energetic, well timed, and very creative show, quickly creating the rapport with the audience essential to determining the success of a performance. A group of children aged 8 or 9 coming out at the end were buzzing with excitement, yet the majority of audience were adults who clearly loved what they saw. There were many highlights. My wife loved the gargoyle scenes (Mark Conway desperately wanting to be scary, but failing comically). My favourite was Angus Barr dancing with his limp dead wife Cariad Lloyd. Or maybe it was the exploding spider scene? Or was it the forks in the head revivification scene? There was so much to choose from. Such a shame it was only in Didcot for one night - it is however coming to Fritwell on the 24th, and will also visit the Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury on the 31st. If you’ve got kids aged 8 and up they’re the perfect excuse to go - but honestly, they aren’t essential!