Welcome to the end of the world! As we gather in 'The Four Horsemen' pub to play our very last pub quiz, a large meteor is falling from the skies and will obliterate us all! All efforts to divert or destroy this meteorite have failed, and so, with our loved ones and friends we gather to enjoy a final pub quiz whilst the radio plays the National Anthem!
The bar area of Stockport Garrick theatre was used for this intimate and interactive production. Seated on tables by the bar, as close as the theatre could get to reality, we participated in the quiz and banter with good humour. The questions were not easy, they were "curated", but the winning did not matter, we were there to be entertained, and entertained we were!
Having already seen the premiere production of this play a few years- ago by Box Of Tricks Theatre Company, I was curious to see how those not concerned with the development of this script would approach and tackle it. Hand on heart, it was a better production than the original!
One totally bought into the premise, and the four very stong cast members were totally convincing, bouncing off each other with skill. Sometimes it was the pauses which were the most effective (director Cate Berry). With a mix of humour and seriousness, and of course the threat of imminent death, these four gave excellent and highly creditable performances which impressed greatly. Sarah Field was the pub landlady Kathy, whilst her quizmaster was a flamboyant Dominic Lo as Rav. The unexpected appearances of people from both of their pasts makes their last couple of hours alive meaningful and poignant. Kathy's errant brother Bobby was played with skill by Chris Rigson, and Rav's schoolboy ex-girlfriend was the believable Ellie Spooner as Fran.
My only real criticism would be the sound effects and lighting. A little more to reflect the impending doom might have been preferable, and whilst the acting of the denouement was superb, the accompanying sound effects were sadly lacking and almost laughable.
With excellent use of space, and great timing, this sympathetic cast took us on an emotional journey, regardless of the added extra jeopardy of certain death!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 9.1.24
Thank you for this lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThe play was so well received that the Stockport Garrick Theatre are doing a cataclysmic encore of the show from 10-12 June this year.
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