Review: SKIN IN THE GAME, New Wimbledon Theatre

Photo credit: Jane Hobson

Fringe theatre is always interesting for a multitude of reasons. It is here, in smaller studio venues, that brand new works based on ideas and themes that are truly "off the beaten track" really get their chance to be shown to audiences for the first time, be workshopped, edited and truly shine. Skin in the Game is an example of one of these projects that has an idea, an interesting concept, and with work, could become something really intriguing. Individual performances shine through but the material they are working with is unfortunately a little too rough around the edges for audiences to properly appreciate the story or what the show is trying to give to the audience.

We feel that perhaps it took on too much of itself, in that the show went from point to point so much, that its original message got lost somewhere in-between...

We open in a post apocalyptic world, which is built well with side comments that elicit some good laughs. The weather is out of control due to climate change wreaking havoc on the planet and shallow entertainment TV is all we have to entertain us. Enter Elizabeth (played by Kristin Duffy), attempting to create a documentary to expose one of the biggest stars of the channel Danny (Craig Talbot) as corrupt. Channel Executive Mike (Ed Theakston) instead opts to produce a brand new game show that promises to somehow (we are never quite told) save the world... The story unfolds as Elizabeth attempts to bring down Danny's program and expose him for who he is.

The idea, the bare concept of this show is interesting. A game show in a post apocalyptic world that gives people the chance to save themselves. However, this requires a massive scale of storytelling that is unfortunately missed by the production we saw in the New Wimbledon Studio. It's a shame that confusion was our overriding emotion because if we could've properly understood the story, there would have been real opportunity for educating us; the audience or motivating us to do something about our changing climate.

We feel a notable mention must go out to Nick Biadon. Our eyes are drawn to him in every scene for being truly in character at all times and extremely entertaining to watch. The same goes for Ed Theakston, who uses their incredibly expressive face constantly to provide solid character and comedy.

The concept is good, the idea is there, but the metaphors that the show appears to use are slightly too convoluted and the audience are left with the wrong questions, such as "Why is there suddenly a troll and a talking wasp?" Or "Why is the main character slowly turning into a tree?" Instead of "What can we do to protect our planet?"

With more work, and refinement, the script can become something really engaging. This, as we've said, is the deal you make when you visit fringe theatre. Let's not forget, Six started at the Edinburgh Fringe. Make sure you try to give shows like this a chance Besties, as without that chance, they may never truly reach their full potential.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

Skin in the Game runs at New Wimbledon Theatre until 19 November, with tickets available here.