one4review | On 22, Aug 2024

Despite the title, there is not a lot of seriousness about this show as the two female performers play several characters, jumping on and off the stage as the characters are rotated throughout the show. Even before the show starts there is a bit of confusion and hilarity to the sound of Madness, House of Fun which sets the tempo for things to come.

Charlie (Chaz) and Simon (Movement) are the main characters of the show. They are members of the ’Bet on it’ youth theatre where they try to write and produce a different show every 24 hours. As they try to compile their latest show called Immersive Plague, they are distracted by a variety of characters. These include Axel and Teresa who are an odd couple as they have opposite personalities. Ginge is very streetwise and was sent to work at the theatre for three years due to some Anti-social Behaviour issues and an obsession for fire. Amber Lee Grace McKenzie is a goody two shoes who wants everything to be done fit and proper. Joe is the CEO of the Bet on it youth theatre and has a soft spot for all things Disney.

The characters are constantly on and off the stage, fortunately each character has their own hat which helps you keep track of who is who. The characters use the full space of the room and are often jumping from chair to chair in the audience! The performance is very witty with many funny moments along the way, the Rat and the Flea scene is particularly funny. With a rogue Firestarter on the loose and water guns to cool things down, it’s a manic scene at times that keeps the audience highly entertained.

The two female performers Charlotte Anne-Tilley and Mabel Thomas are absolutely brilliant as they jump from character to character, the fast-flowing non-stop caper keeps you laughing and entertained throughout the show.

****1/2

Reviewed by Steve
Gilded Balloon, Patter House – The Penny
13.00 (1hr)
Until 26th Aug