Yeast Nation: Southwark playhouse

[JJShaw]

Any offers for this one? I would like to catch it while its on

[Mark]

Aug 4, 2022 21:52:13 GMT JJShaw said:

Any offers for this one? I would like to catch it while its on

Definitely worth making the most of the Southwark Playhouse PAYG scheme.

[thistimetomorrow]

I'd booked middle row A seats before I realised there would be audience interaction, but thankfully all me and my friend had to do between us was hold a prop/have some very intense eye contact or have some hand puppets on our knees. My friend got named Jan the Real and got a spotlight shone on him, but otherwise all good!

Enjoyed this more than I expected to - it really was quite bizarre, but you can't say the cast aren't giving it their all.

[dlevi]

Marmite indeed. I thought this show failed on every possible level . Sure it was bonkers, that didn't bother me. What bothered me was the lousy direction - even basic blocking was a mess. the hideous costumes which made little sense. the horrible sound where a two person band more often than not drowned out the performers ( some of the singing was simply awful) - really one of the worst shows I've seen in my life. B L E A H!

[Dr Tom]

I saw this last week and rather enjoyed it, even with a script-in-hand narrator. Who could possibly not like seeing the stellar actor Chris Howell as the longest surviving creature in the universe and showing off his skills at hand puppetry?

The style of the music is very reminiscent of Urinetown and this a scientifically clever production.

With all that said, I can also see why this would never have a long life in a major theatre.

One to see while you have the chance. There are offers available, but the best deal (and choice of seats) comes through the PAYG scheme.

[JJShaw]

Caught the show last night, glad I did, I went knowing I really really enjoyed Urinetown, but to be prepared for a different sort of show based on the not so kind reviews.

I will admit the first couple of numbers really made me wary and very VERY avant-garde fringe off-off-broadway experimental Edinburgh fringe (and the costumes didnt help but surprisingly grew on me throughout the night). However once the over the top operatic dramatics had finished and the show settles into its more hummable, character-driven solos and pop-rock numbers it picked up steam and I really enjoyed it.

(apologies for not grabbing a cast list or programme, also very sad they dont seem to be printing tickets anymore ) Jan the Unnamed was wonderful, and if you catch her when shes just observing she does some really funny little bits, has a cracking voice, and a wonderful stage presence. Jan the Sly and Jan the Wise had fantastic chemistry and were really engaging, Sly reminds me of a future Charlie Russell, big compliment! Loved her number with Famished, and there were some lovely lighting design choices throughout as well.

I do agree the grey sheet could have had perhaps a few projections just to round out the set, I really liked them moving platforms but did get a bit worried as there are no safety stoppers on the wheels!!

Once the concept and plot kicks in, it is a fairly basic plot of romance + vengeance to overthrow, some really creative directing choices, but the weak opening and unusual premise and costumes that could have been less conceptual, I'd give it 3*, possibly 3.5* because some of the performances really did sell me on the show, and there are some great songs in it.

A post curtain call speech noting that they are one of just two completely original musicals playing in london right now not based on anything at all (is the other one DEH? Can't think of what the other one might be? If thats the case then yikes....!) and it was quite sweet for them to try and rally some good word of mouth, it was a very receptive and enthusiastic audience to do that for as well, they were loving it! Couple next to me left at the interval but I do think the majority stayed for act 2.

If you have a free slot, go give it a chance, did run a little longer than advertised and I think we started a little late too, but it felt new and different and certainly will round out the variety of shows you can see, so love it or loathe it it will put other shows into perspective!