Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 1st April 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
The Time Machine: A Comedy comes to Malvern! Or is that returns to Malvern? Or is it yet to come to Malvern? No, luckily for all of us close to Malvern, I can confirm it is indeed here and was well worth the wait.
The show is very loosely based on H.G. Wells famous novel but this is just the launching off point for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions encompassing stage and rehearsal space and time as the actors attempt to mount a production given a most peculiar set of circumstances and tribulations.
The cast is small but perfectly formed. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say too much without spoiling the tortuously convoluted plot but I’ll just mention that (amongst their other attributes) Dave Hearn was every inch the comic genius you know and love from the Goes Wrong franchise, here in a meatier role than usual, with a surprising family connection… Amy Revelle is the accident prone love interest with a penchant for song and Michael Dylan the romantic, perpetual victim with all the right moves. Individually all master comedians; together a finely honed comic ensemble! Also present is Noah Marullo who has a couple of important supporting functions, which he played to perfection.
If you’re a fan of astonished glances breaking the fourth wall, this show will have your boat floated. There’s some pseudo science that I thoroughly enjoyed – testament to the quality of writing, making the driest of material positively drip with hilarity. Pay attention – there may be questions later. There’s even a surprise guest appearance. This clever show throws in locally flavoured jokes, has slapstick and showtunes… In fact, there’s very little this show doesn’t have – it even weaves in a cliffhanger! The second half is way funnier than the first – and that’s some feat! There literally isn’t a moment where the laughter eases up.
Audience participation features heavily and it’s without doubt the funniest I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing that this part of the show is very ad-libbed, with the actors reacting to the audience members “helpful” input. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves and I know we were. So be prepared to join in (or take a show-off friend along you can duck behind).
I had astronomically high hopes when I saw that Dave Hearn was in this because I have loved his previous work. My hopes were more than exceeded. I could happily watch this show time and again and I’m certain it would get funnier and funnier.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the sands of time, casting inopportune footprints in the literary shoreline of a revered classic whilst dropping its comedy choc ices into the sandcastles of science fact (or something). An absolute classic making its live debut before transferring (I’m sure) to the small screen. A must see show. Every inch the play that goes right and one I have no hesitation in recommending you rush out and see asap!