Books, lyrics and Directors: Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe
Composer: Ben Adams
It’s 1980s film Airplane meets Team America, meets something entirely unique. Hilarious is not a word used lightly but when it comes to the all-singing, all-dancing Police Cops: The Musical now playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant…
Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe bring the audience of South London to the ‘US eighties’. Guns blazing, slick and utterly impressive choreography, and upbeat musical numbers accompany Jimmy Johnson ( Hunt) on his journey to becoming a ‘police-cop’. It’s in part to avenge the untimely (and not at all pre-meditated through song) death of his sister, and in part to catch the malevolent criminal ‘Hernandez’ and bring him to good old American justice.
First, Johnson must bypass the bureaucratic Chief of Police Malloy ( Parkinson), who’s determined to do things ‘by the book’ and a multitude of setbacks, insecurities and ridiculous challenges. But with the help of jaded and mysterious veteran cop ‘Harrison’ ( Roe), the two heroic police-cops embark on the hunt for an evil criminal mastermind and in turn discover themselves on a quest to become the ‘best police-cop ever’.
It’s a five-person masterpiece of smooth dance moves, impressive songs and excellent gags that bring a cacophony of pleasure to the audience. The music is playful and impressive, with only five voices managing to sound as rich and complex as a whole choir, with vocal excellence to boot.
Accompanying co-stars Melinda Orengo and Natassia Bustamante multi-role as sister, love interest, exiled chief of police Gonzalez and more, and are excellent additions to the stellar team. They assist in the handling of puppets, banners, and baby dolls on wires which is a small insight into the genius absurdity of this production.
Seemingly impossible costume changes and ridiculously perfect insertion of props give the production a captivating pace and energy that has the audience totally on board from the get-go.
Among the polished script and musical numbers is an effervescent sense of spontaneity that makes the production even more captivating. Improvised jokes and excellent moments of reoccurring audience participation give a well-rehearsed production a particular pace and fresh feeling and allow for the performers’ personalities to shine through.
Self-aware in its silliness, Police Cops: The Musical is an essential watch for anyone seeking a belly laugh this Spring. Absurd, excellent, and hugely entertaining.
Runs until 20 April 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Absurd, excellent, and hugely entertaining
