Tales from the Phantasmagoria

Old Red Lion Theatre

Reviewed – 21st May 2018

★★★

“while it may not be sophisticated, this show does what it sets out to do – leave its audience with a big goofy grin”

 

‘Welcome to Hell. You are No. 47 in the Queue. Thank you for your patience.’

Sometimes when you go to the theatre you want to see shows that challenge your world view, have deep political significance or profound comments on the human condition. And sometimes you just want to have a laugh.

And if you’re looking for the latter you could do a lot worse than Danse Macabre’s Tales from the Phantasmagoria, an on the spot impro show playing at the Old Red Lion. There is no agenda here other than to have a good time. The focus is on fun, as our Demon Guide Neil (Thomas Barry) invites the audience to decide what unfortunate incidents brought his two hapless companions, (Joseph Willis and Guy Matthews) down into the inner circles of hell. Willis and Matthews then enact whatever scenario the audience gives them, in this case that included Donald Trump’s marriage to Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and criminal mastermind Penguin. There is also cake.

It’s silly, absurd and all done in the best possible taste. Matthews and Willis are certainly game for anything and attack the whole performance with energy and openness. It’s not the most revolutionary show I’ve seen and at some points the boys did play it a little safe, (an indication more of a young company growing in confidence, rather than of their ability as they certainly have the wit to carry it off). But while it may not be sophisticated, this show does what it sets out to do – leave its audience with a big goofy grin.

The company is Edinburgh bound this year and I expect we’ll be hearing more from them in the future.

 

Reviewed for thespyinthestalls.com

 

Tales from the Phantasmagoria

Old Red Lion Theatre

 

 

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