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I visited the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre last night, for the Press Night of ‘The Time Machine - a Comedy’ by Original Theatre.
The atmosphere was set from the start with very cleverly chosen ‘time’ themed songs playing throughout the auditorium, classics such as ‘Remember the time’ and ‘I’ve had the time of my life”
The piece has a ‘chaos comedy’ feel to it, which is really well executed. It gave similar feels to that of Mischief Theatre’s ‘Goes Wrong’ style. The show follows three performers ready to embark on a tour of “The Importance of Being Earnest” when one of their members discovers a manuscript of ‘The Time Machine’ by their ancestor ‘H.G Wells’.
The show takes a dramatic turn, when the time machine actually works - and we begin Act 1 again after the interval. They need the help of the audience to break the space time continuum to get out of the loop!
‘The Time Machine’ is such a well designed piece, the comedy bounced so well and was for sure a laugh-a-minute production. If you were wanting a serious play, written by H.G Wells, this is not the one for you.. But it is so much funnier and exciting than that could ever be!
You will be taken ‘back in time’ and your mind will be blown by this great piece of interactive theatre.
Performances from the cast were strong. George Kemp has a knack for comedic timing and leads the first act in a way, his physical comedy is also marvellous - leaving the audience in stitches.
Amy Revelle brings lots of energy to the show, as well as a hilarious Cher tribute that ended with her wig flying across the stage. Amy was so fun to watch on the stage and the characterisation of her multiple roles were all excellent, convincing and exceedingly funny.
Completing the cast is Michael Dylan. So much comedy was brought by Michael and he goes through a fantastic emotional change after the interval which got roars of laughter from the audience - and rightly so!
‘The Time Machine - a Comedy’ is a great piece of theatre, in a new style that is really exciting to watch come alive. The use of audience interaction really immerses you within the piece and you do feel as though time travel might actually be real! It is well worth a watch if you love a good comedy and want to be involved in the performance - that being said, don’t let it put you off as nobody is forced into interacting if they do not want to!
Get your tickets now!
The show runs until the end of the week at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. Before continuing on its UK tour: https://originaltheatre.com/productions/the-time-machine
6th March 2024
Robbie Davies | Robbie's Backstage Bants