A musical comedy about exercise
Nick (Nicholas Southcott), and Charlie (Tom Watson) have been mates for years and are expert at the sedentary lifestyle – smoking, drinking, playing video games and getting annoyed when the phone rings. The rhythm of the ringtone causes them to morph into a rapping crew in the style of Eminem performing back in the day at the Astoria Theatre, in London. The catchy chorus of ‘Just Text Me!’ was hilarious, Writes Linda Emmanuel.
The calls they’ve been ignoring were from a sad Megan (Scarlett Irish), sister to their long-lost friend Jamie, who had recently passed away suffering from myelofibrosis. Following the funeral, led by comical priest (Chloe Way) who dons an enormous crucifix and exhibits perfect timing, the boys, leave feeling guilty about their procrastinating lifestyle and decide to make a change to honour Jamie. They opt to train for a 10 km charity run.
From there the adventures begin. First, their humourously scary encounter with the Gym Lads, an ensemble led by pushy personal trainer Trey (George Deller) whose signature tune is ‘Work It To The Limit’ in the style of ‘Son Be A Dentist’ from the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Our heroes are then approached by a witchy, top hat-wearing, drug dealer (Chloe Way). She’s touting the ‘magical’ pill that leads them on a psychedelic gym session.
Tom Watson wrote the lyrics for the 14 songs and the music was composed by Sam Wells. All were enthusiastically performed by the actor/singers to the delight of the very friendly and warm audience. The clowning and comic timing, directed by Hannah Lochhead, gave each of the five performers their moments to shine. The heartfelt ‘Megan’s Turn’ performed beautifully by Scarlett Irish about loss and grief, was rapturously received. This is truly a strong ensemble of performers.
I highly recommend this full, joyful, cheeky production which explores themes of Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH unti June 13th.
Box office: www.brockleyjack.co.uk or 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 fee for phone bookings only)
Tickets: £17, £15 conc., 16+.
Running time: Ninety minutes with no interval
