Richmond Theatre, London – until Saturday 27 October 2018
Reviewed by Lisa Harlow
3***
Written and performed by two comedy legends that have kept a headline space in my heart for an age, Adrian Edmondson and Nigel Planer, Vulcan 7 is a new comedy on the set of a sci-fi movie in Iceland. The two reunite after many years since The Young Ones, as two faded and jaded actors who had attended RADA together but spent the years thereafter feuding. Ade Edmondson confesses that their two characters Hugh and Gary are an amalgam of ‘all the unpleasant people they’ve worked with’ blended together with their own ‘hidden flaws’ (never forgetting lines and indecisiveness).
Gary Savage (Ade) is the former ‘Scorsese maniac go-to’ Hollywood star who now only finds glory from the bottom of a bottle and Hugh Delavois (Nigel) is a rather rigid, pallid acting “dinosaur” who has found small, routine parts to keep him going; in more honest reflection, he admits he never really had the acting bug pumping his blood. Their age-old seething animosity is ripped open when Gary finds that Hugh has bagged the large trailer, and that he only has a one word part as a Thermidor alien. This discovery allows many past trespasses to flow in their angry transactions where their bitter rivalry has not been in just competing for roles, but also for lovers and further surprises (plot reveal!).
The abominable Gary is a perfect device to explore the dismay and confusion that aging acting former stars may have finding their feet in the post #metoo world, as he gingerly interacts with Leela (Lois Chimimba) the runner on the set trying desperately to keep the disintegrating acting egos on track. In the background we have the ominous Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupting and bringing the set to life as their trailer starts to dramatically tip. The sound (Mic Pool) and set (Simon Higlett) provide a great back drop for the action. By the end, we find the actors barely gripping the severely angled trailer.
There are laughs and I found that I gently enjoyed the show but didn’t find myself laughing out loud in the way I hoped to. The first act is rather slow going although still held my engagement. The second act was both reflective and had more sharper comedic interactions woven within it. The volcano’s increasing wrath and activity prompts a greater sentimental sharing between Gary and Hugh as their dire situation becomes more apparent. In true ‘what have I done with my life?’ excruciating regret, Gary mournfully declares ‘I never cooked a chicken’, and somehow this was just the right note to hit, bringing the greatest laugh. Overall, an enjoyable arena in which to showcase these two great lights of the alternative comedy world but could benefit with more belly laughs.