In the beginning, there was nothing, and when the universe eventually came about, humans and animals kept it going by having lots of sex. And to have sex, you have to date. That is Abishek Kumar and Nirmal Pillai’s reasoning for their high-energy show The Reel to Real – Crowd Work Tour now showing at Soho Theatre, a hilariously interactive performance covering 21st-century love, dating, and marriage.
With eyes closed, the audience waits with bated breath as Abishek and Nirmal scour the crowd and hand-pick two audience members to speed date on stage. Blindfolded, the two lucky (or unlucky?) subjects are prompted with questions and given the opportunity to flirt, live on stage, in front of a crowd. What are your red flags when dating? Is height important to you? What do you think the other person on this date looks like? What are you looking for in a partner? When the date comes to an end, successful or not, Abishek and Nirmal then turn to the married members of the audience for dating tips, stories and warnings.
Performances based on crowd work are at the complete mercy of the audience on the night, and on a Tuesday evening, even if it is Halloween, it is a challenge. However, this comedic duo is clearly totally in tune with the crowd, managing to thrive within the awkwardness of human interaction that is inevitable when dating and love are being discussed.
Reluctant audience members are coaxed and cajoled into eventual laughs, even if it takes an enormous effort from the comedy pair. This process itself is part of the enjoyment of the spontaneous show, but occasionally, both Abishek and Nirmal need to make swifter decisions on when to cut their losses and move on to another subject in the audience. Pacing issues come at other times in the show. When the pair are so energetic it feels almost frantic, and the audience members can’t get a word in.
Abishek and Nirmal are totally in tune with one another, with delightful results. They are able to play with and antagonise the other, whilst also taking jokes about themselves on the chin. It results in an utterly spontaneous feel to the show and relaxes an audience set on edge by the promise of audience interaction. There is an excellent use of cultural references directed toward Indian audience members, especially when it comes to the subject of familial relationships and dating, that elicit big laughs from the audience and allow for the formation of reoccurring inside jokes.
Alas, no pairings were united in matrimony this night, but Abishek and Nirmal don’t let that dampen their mood and finish the evening with a few songs, one of which combines Nirmal’s horror story about a date that involved too much burping and an existing internet joke. Although entertaining, the songs feel slotted in as this show shines on the duo’s genuine talent for live performance The song part of the show probably goes better on a digital platform.
The concept of a live dating show isn’t hugely original, but with the pair’s charm, magnetism and genuine comedic ability The Reel to Real – Crowd Work Tour is a hugely enjoyable evening of playful audience interaction. It’s a must-see for those looking for love!
Runs until 4 November 2023
