First, a quick note. I am not an ‘opera person’. In fact, The Marriage of Kim K’ is the first opera I have ever seen. And seeing as it is part of the Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Opera Festival, whose tag line is ‘see opera differently’, I feel this is important. I have never seen opera, differently or otherwise, so what I find to be brilliant may seem to an opera purist to be sacrilegious. That said, this show is brilliant. And I don’t even care if it’s sacrilegious.
In a dramatically innovative restaging of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, we follow central couple Amelia (Amelia Gabriel) and Stephen (Stephen Hyde) attempting to keep their relationship alive amid the competing pressures of work and their diverging interests. She loves the Kardashians, he loves opera. Into this set-up come Kim Kardashian (Yasemin Mireille) and Kris Humphries (James Edge) and the Count and Countess Almaviva (Nathan Bellis and Emily Burnett), via the TV set. Both of these couples are also experiencing their own marriage troubles and it is through their parallel storylines and eventual interactions that the script has a lot of fun mixing fact and fiction. It is a night that begins with our core couple watching reality TV and finishes with them being watched by it.
The small stage is put to ingenious use. Amelia and Stephen occupy the central space of sofa and TV, whilst Kim and Kris and the Count and Countess occupy the two opposite wings. In a witty touch, these wings are mirror images of each other, both containing a single table and chair, showing us that though our couple may argue about the relative merits of high and low culture, this production knows that they are equal.
The production is great across the board. The story and lyrics by Leoe Mercer are zesty and irrerevant and the cast, all brilliant, are clearly having a lot of fun. Mireille is particularly acute at conveying both Kim’s mercenary artificiality and her real longing for love, whilst Edge is very good on Kris’ bouncing boorishness. Stephen Hyde, also in charge of the music, writes that he took Mozart’s original “melodies … [and] reimagine[d] them as all sorts of music – hip-hop, R&B, musical theatre, film, blues, jazz.” The result is a brilliant concoction, which with Leoe Mercer’s witty lyrics, combines to create a show that provides a lot of laughs and a lot to think about. So much so that you might miss them all the first time around. Best to go see it twice.
Reviewed by Alice Gray
Photography by Shay Rowan
THE MARRIAGE OF KIM K
is at the Arcola Theatre until 29th July and continues throughout August at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The festival vibe that Lazarus Theatre has created at Brockley Jack Theatre works fantastically well for this vibrant adaptation. Fake grass, bunting, coolboxes, crates of beer, and a festival trolley all displayed a convincing scene.
With the cast donning ripped t-shirts, summer hats, much glitter (Rachel Dingle) and an enthusiasm all round, the audience immediately embraced the relaxed vibe and were willing to play along. A simple set and familiar modern costumes throughout immediately made this production feel accessible to all.
Luckily this proved important as the cast encouraged waving of flags, shouts and cheers and blowing of bubbles from the audience in various scenes. They seemed willing to participate and comply with the cast, and several asides/seemingly off-script interactions with the audience only added to this fun production.
A strong cast punctuated this adapted script with humour at every opportunity and this approach in direction (Sara Reimers) sat well. Keeping Shakespeare light and relevant. Of note Matthew Foster (Petruchio) and Gareth Balai (Sly) held the stage; interacting with the audience, maintaining strong characters and captivating cast and visitors alike.
Reimers’ adaptation is a fluid, modern version of a well-known play. Combined with superb direction, and a strong cast she is reinventing Shakespeare for a younger audience. This piece works particularly well in this small theatre and in the round. The Brockley Jack pub which is adjoined to the theatre compliments the relaxed festival vibe.
It was clear the audience enjoyed the production throughout and this was embellished by the relaxed environment and strong encapsulating performances from all.
