Review: BILL, Omnibus Theatre

Photo credit: Jack McGuire

BILL is a comedy musical set in the Wild West. It is a piece of docu-theatre about Milton Bill Cooper, an American radio presenter responsible for the development of many of the conspiracy theories heard today. Think UFO sightings, the US government making deals with aliens, and the phrase “wake up sheeple”.

BILL starts off with some comedic audience interaction, which sets the show up well. A simple, practical set makes for swift and clear scene changes – utilising the space and absence of a backstage area effectively, while also making it clear where the show is taking place.

There’s lots of multi-rolling in BILL. At times, these character changes are done smoothly and clearly but at other times, this clarity is lost and it is not until several lines later that it becomes apparent that there has been a role change.

While BILL claims many laughs from the audience, the humour feels rather uncomfortable and unfunny at times. There are moments when the jokes feel somewhat similar to a teenage boy’s sense of humour. If this is what they are aiming for, then they have got it spot on.

There are a couple of instances in the show which feel like a good end point, after which the show seems like it is trying to cram too much into two hours. This is understandable considering BILL covers 70 years, however a more selective approach to the most important parts of each decade, and a more concise way of telling these stories could make the show more impactful.

The Omnibus Theatre’s entrance is step-free and remains step-free in all areas we went (foyer, bar and main theatre). The bar area is crowded with too many tables and chairs for the small space – something which the staff acknowledge, however this makes it very tricky to navigate in a wheelchair and takes away any relaxing pre-show experience. In terms of seating, the theatre created a space in the front row for the wheelchair to be parked while watching the show. This enabled us to feel part of the audience, rather than segregated due to the need for wheelchair access, which is always a positive.

BILL appears to have potential, but the content needs to be more concise, and the humour re-evaluated.

** Two stars

Reviewed by: Kate Soper

BILL plays at London’s Omnibus Theatre until 22 December, with further info here.