Created by: Real Positive Poles
Reviewer: Lela Tredwell
Exceptionally brilliant improvised genre performance which perfectly delivers on paying homage to the iconic Twilight Zone.
This shows is a beautiful demonstration of everything that improvised performance can be. From the start we are assured we are in capable hands as every detail of this experience from the audience’s point of view has been carefully considered. The performers are all devoted to their aesthetic with well-chosen costumes, a perfect soundscape, and the use of cigarette props to edit scenes and narrate in the iconic style of The Twilight Zone.
We are treated to two episodes paying homage, which are made up entirely on the spot inspired by audience suggestions of recent experiences. In this performance, the first suggestion is from a man who didn’t go to work because, in his mind, it was a bank holiday… only to find out in the evening, it was not actually a bank holiday after all. This leads to an hilarious narrative involving a character entering the Twilight Zone. There, this character is told he’s being promoted only to also be informed he no longer needs to attend work, except on one day of the year. We see the descent of this man into idleness, resulting in him being arrested for rearranging cereals at his local grocers.
The whole cast plays equal part in creating the fabulously engaging show. The live musician adds the perfect atmosphere on the violin and also takes audience suggestions. The second suggestion is about a suitcase of theatrical costumes and props being left in a street which resulted in an evacuation. This the cast expertly weave into a second Twilight Zone inspired ‘episode’ where we see Pandora – a woman who works – become so curious about a box in which her friend seems completely uninterested. When Pandora opens it, she is transported into the world of the box and exposed to all the information there is to know.
There’s a beautiful moment where the voice of the box asks Pandora if she’d like to go back to
ignorance and Pandora replies that she would not. When the box is surprised and says this isn’t
the usual response, Pandora states that this is because it’s the first time a woman has opened the box, giving a nod to the male characters who established earlier their exclusive understanding of it.
The handling of gender roles in this stylised performance is so well-navigated for a modern
audience. Given the era of the Twilight Zone, the handling of female characters could easily be
problematic. However, both Anna Kemp and Rosalind Beeson are exceptional improvisers and a
joy to watch. They playfully poke fun at the sexism and misogyny of the past as they more than
hold their own in creating these tales.
All performers are switched on, listening and responding to every offer. They are spontaneously
creating together this engaging show. An entertaining stylised advert break is even created
between the tales. This is a company that take improvised genre performance seriously while
providing laugh after laugh. They exhibit a high level of professionalism, creating a thoroughly
entertaining show, while lovingly paying homage to their chosen era.
Reviewed on 15th May
The Reviews Hub Score
Outstanding Hilarious Homage
