Review: JUMPING THE SHARK, Kings Theatre Portsmouth - Tour
Photo credit: Robert Armstrong
There is a phenomenon in comedy known as “Jumping the Shark”. The name came about after a moment in the hit US sitcom Happy Days, in which Fonzie, dressed in his trademark leather jacket, jumped a real shark on water skis. The term refers to the altering of a successful TV series in order to keep its viewers engaged, but in most cases has the opposite effect as these “jumping the shark” moments are often completely ridiculous!
This concept, as well as many other comedy tropes are explored by David Cantor and Michael Kingsbury, the writing duo behind this new play. Between them, they have a great track record of writing comedy - Cantor wrote for BBC sitcoms ‘My Family’, ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps’ and ‘Green Green Grass’, so as we take our seats, we are expecting an evening packed with laughs.
Act One only raises a few chuckles as we meet the five individuals who are attending a sitcom writing course in the conference room of a hotel. Each of the budding comedy writers has a very different persona, Dale (Jack Trueman) is a wide boy kitchen fitter with tall tales about his female clients, Gavin (Robin Sebastian) a ‘resting’ actor looking to expand his skills set, Morgan (Harry Visinoni) a troubled conspiracy theorist with a dark sense of humour and creative ideas. Pam (Sarah Moyle) is a chatty slightly older housewife and Amy (Jasmine Armfield) is a bubbly creative young woman still figuring out her path in life. All are attending the course which is run by their comedy idol, Frank Donohue (David Schaal).
Each character is very well written and through their short introductions to the rest of the group, we learn a little about their life outside the writing course and gain more of an insight into what makes them tick. Frank is the least developed and explored character, but is instrumental in drawing out the traits of his pupils.
The second act is much faster paced, more comical and the conflict between the wildly contrasting personalities in the group becomes heightened. It has to be said that this is an exceptionally strong cast, with each performer giving nuanced portrayals of their characters, while still delivering the comedy of the script.
The conclusion of the piece is predictable (no spoliers!), but well delivered and we come away feeling that we have seen a much truer representation of each of the inhabitants of the conference room.
The set is very simple, but effective - it could be a hotel conference room anywhere in the UK, with bland reproduced art on the walls, a few potted plants, uniform chairs and a flip chart ready and waiting! The naturalistic, bright lighting throughout adds to the sitcom feel of the piece, and the only sound effects used are deployed by the cast to add humour to the small scenes that they produce for Frank’s approval. The costuming is clearly well considered, and further enhances our knowledge of each of the characters.
Jumping the Shark is an enjoyable evening of entertainment, with engaging characters and some very funny moments, ideal for anyone who feels nostalgia for the age of The Great British Sitcom.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
Jumping the Shark tours until 1 April and visits Dartford, Crewe, Edinburgh, Tunbridge Wells, Basingstoke after its Portsmouth run.