Book, Lyrics & Co-Directors: Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe
Music: Ben Adams
Every now and then, a production comes along that just defies expectations and provides surprises on all accounts. This is one such show.
Billing Police Cops as a musical comedy is completely accurate but somehow feels inadequate. This is an over-the-top, laugh-out-loud, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, tear-inducing rollicking ride of a musical comedy.
From the moment you enter the auditorium, gaze at a faded American flag that is the backdrop to the stage and hear 80’s anthems being played on the PA system, you know where you are – the good ol’ U.S of A in the 1980s.
Our hero, Jimmy (Zachary Hunt) is set to take over his father’s diner, but he dreams of joining the police force. In a series of unfortunately, but comically signposted incidents, his sister-dad (yes his sister becomes his dad), is tragically killed in an accidental shooting. Filled with a desire for revenge gives Jimmy the push he needs to follow his dreams and join the local force.
His passions drive him and he becomes the ‘best damn Police Cop rookie’ ever. His rookie brilliance gives him the opportunity to work on capturing Mexican drug lord, Hernandez (Nathan Parkinson) who he believes killed his sister. However, in order to do so, he needs to secure the help of an old-time, ex-cop (Tom Roe). And so this unlikely duo go on a quest to take down the infamous criminal.
Their journey seeking justice is one filled with twists, turns, setbacks, distractions, and crippling self-doubt. All of this is set to a background of jingoistic Americana and petty racism all played out, with comic perfection, to a banging 80’s-inspired soundtrack. As Jimmy sings, when feeling self-doubt wash over him, ‘Are you an American, or an American’t’
Be in no doubt, Police Cops is funny. Very funny. It’s sharply written and deftly performed. The comedy covers so much ground that it could be a masterclass. There’s slapstick, self-deprecation, surreal, wordplay, romance, and more, all interwoven into a gloriously ludicrous tale of love, destiny and revenge.
Whilst the action centres around Jimmy, the show is more of an ensemble piece with all of the cast members taking on multiple roles. The core cast of Hunt, Parkinson and Roe, is brilliantly enriched by the addition of Melinda Orengo and Natassia Bustamante who complete the multi-talented lineup. A special note should be made for understudy Mychele Lebrun, who seamlessly stepped in for Bustamante in the second act of this performance.
But it is the brilliantly inventive direction, which is as much a part of the comedy as the performances or script, that anchors everything so well. The use of dolls, puppets, on-the-spot running or tree branches has never been so evocative or so funny. Ben Adams’ music is perfectly placed in the 80’s and calls upon the likes of Starship, Aerosmith, and Van Halen. They’re all new compositions but feel instantly familiar.
Police Cops is a perfect musical comedy. It leaves you giddy with laughter, fully satisfied but perversely wanting more. Much like Operation Mincemeat, which started in smaller theatres and now graces the West End, Police Cops feels like it’s destined for a similar journey. If there’s any justice it will.
Runs until 14 October 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
See it. Now!
