Review: SPY MOVIE, Hope Theatre Islington
Photo credit: Harry Bradley
Secret missions, evil plans, car chases, helicopters, gadgets, heroes, villains and plots to take over the world; all things that you would expect to find in a good spy movie, just not what you would expect to find in a small pub theatre in Islington… Well, this festive season, that’s exactly what you can find there!
Spy Movie: The Play! penned by Jack Michael Stacey and Matthew Howell, both of whom have tread or are currently treading the boards of The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, is a fast and furious exploration of the Spy Movie genre featuring a multitude of characters played by just four performers at the Hope Theatre, Islington.
When screenwriter Emily, played by Emily Waters (The Play That Goes Wrong), can’t get a movie studio to accept her new spy thriller, the audience is invited to witness it as a one night only live performance. Waters narrates the piece, placing her characters and pushing the story along whilst playing many roles within the story itself. Actress Jo, portrayed by Jo Hartland (Horrigan and Howell: A Sketch Too Far), can’t believe her agent booked her for this but she attacks her role of secret agent Jane Blonde with aplomb; stylish, clever, and mysterious.
Theo Toksvig-Stewart (Peter Pan Goes Wrong) plays the producer (also named Theo) who has big ideas for this production and who really wants to impress big movie producer Gerry. Throughout the hour-long running time, it is Toksvig-Stewart who plays the most roles, and wears the most hats. Don’t try to count them, you will lose count very quickly! From multiple secret service spies to villains and policeman, he jumps from role to role with ease, making each as unique as the last with new hats and fresh accents.
Jack Michael Stacey’s actor Jack double roles as both spy novel writer Ian Flemish and spy Randy Lust, whilst dipping in and out of other roles alongside showcasing a flair for physical comedy as he jumps from role to role and fights with himself as two characters at once.
These four performers prove themselves to be masters of the craft of comedy as wordplay (more puns than you could possibly count), slapstick and masterfully crafted silliness combine in this celebration of spies and cinema. With a set that is nothing more than regularly opened and closed curtains, they create a full spy story complete with thrilling chases, laser mazes and a plot of take over the world using a plethora of props that you could expect to find in your local party supplies shop, in true fringe theatre spirit.
Writers Jack Michael Stacey and Matthew Howell (who also formed half of the writing team of The New Musketeers) have created a story that both celebrates the spy genre and opens it up to fans of good old fashioned comedy. Stereotypes of the genre are played upon and laughed at, allowing the audience to see the silliness of them. The writing is clever and incredibly witty, with a real sense of fun and not taking itself too seriously.
This show creates a great atmosphere, with the cast and the audience having fun and laughing together. It’s a hour of silly escapism, and a breath of fresh air from the usual festive offerings at this time of year.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Rebecca Wallis
Spy Movie plays at the Hope Theatre, Islington until 23 December, with further information here.
