Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury – until 5 November 2022
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
5*****
When I saw the advert for Good Luck, Studio, I knew it was going to be funny. You could just tell it was going to be bonkers.
But to give that level of twisted, adult humour to the supposed filming of a kids TV show, now that is the perfect and unexpected recipe for comedy.
With just one more hour of filming to go, the Wibble the Dragon team is more than ready to say good bye to the iconic and widely-loved show. If they can complete the hour without – another – accident, that would be better.
But, when a failed actor turns turns up with his own vendetta (and dragon costume), it might not just be the team’s reputation and careers on the line.
Already a fan of Mischief Theatre, of The Play that Goes Wrong fame, I was very excited to see what else the company could do.
Act One opens with a panto feel, but you’re soon reminded it’s not that kind of show. For two hours the audience is taken through a whirlwind of explosive moments, different worlds within the studio and fast-paced fight scenes, all-the-while some people dressed as royal fruit.
The characters were brilliantly thought through, the comical cast bringing each crazy personality to life from their first moments on stage.
There was ‘Princess Pineapple’ Elizabeth (played by Jemma Geanaus) determined to fake an injury for cash, medic Kevin (Greg Tannahill) getting himself in a sticky situation and script writer Sean obsessed with Dr Seuss (Harry Kershaw). It doesn’t seem like it should work, and I suppose for the creation of a children’s show it doesn’t, but for us watching, it really did.
And don’t forget the novice villain of the show, determined to be the star, played expertly by Gareth Tempest.
Andy, Bafta award-winning director who loathed everyone (played by Tom Walker) was definitely an audience favourite – you could never tell what his next evil and yet witty, hilarious insult would be.
On that note, the clever narrative and script for this show, combined with the impeccable timing and flair of the actors, made it just so much fun to watch. After all, turning a children’s TV show into a hostage situation is just bananas.
Timing was such an important element of this show, and each and every person on that stage delivered. And, amidst the laugh-out-loud moments, there was a nice reminder that things considered unimportant to some, are a huge deal to others.
A special shout out must be given to the incredible and vibrant set too, which transported us to various settings and times within the studio with ease.
This clever, dark comedy will have you laughing throughout. If you need a joyous night out I can’t recommend it enough.
I’d love to think all kid shows are this mental behind the scenes!