Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 9 March 2024
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Put aside any thoughts that you are coming to see a serious rendition of the phenomenal book by H.G. Wells. Instead prepare yourself for a frantic, physical play within a play that will keep you laughing from the opening scene to the last. Whilst still maintaining the essence of the original book, Writers Steven Canny and John Nicholson have cleverly woven in audience participation, to not only break the bounds of time but also the 4th wall.
The charismatic, slightly narcissistic George Kemp leads the cast through a riotous series of mishaps, bringing us all to a one challenge only – saving Michael. Michael Ryan is the opposite of George, bringing a frenetic energy and humour to the stage, that encourages the audience to love him and root for him. Amy Revelle is a sensitive soul that you really don’t want to mess with! She is the glue that sticks the team together. To stage a play that goes horribly wrong because the time traveller is desperately trying to find a way to save Michael, by reliving the same scene over and over again takes courage, exceptional timing and for the cast to be completely in tune. Even the science was delivered with humour! The care given by all three actors to the audience members brave enough to step on stage, allows the comedic value to flow naturally.
The creative team has devised a set that can cope with the quick changes and fast paced physical performance. The music and costumes give you clear queues to the era and character being portrayed, whilst making you laugh out loud. Both are no mean feats!
In some ways this is a play to escape in to and forget what’s going on outside. On the other hand, if you think a little deeper, you will be surprised that the original story by H.G. Wells has some resonance with the state of the world today. If nothing else this play will encourage you to read or revisit the original book.