Review: THE TIME MACHINE, Malvern Theatres - Tour

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

H.G. Wells’ classic 1895 novel The Time Machine has been given a hilarious retelling in a fast paced, whimsical adaptation written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson and directed by Orla O’Loughlin.

Dave Hearn (founding member of Mischief Theatre) plays Dave Wells, an actor and also the great, great grandson of H.G. Wells who discovers a box of the author’s belongings. Alongside Amy (Amy Revelle) and Michael (Michael Dylan), their little theatre company decides to put on a production of The Time Machine, instead of their planned tour of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Only when the world of science fiction collides with science fact, well, let’s just say, anything can happen…quite literally! And when it does, how exactly do you prevent that thing happening over and over again?

There are versatile and exceptional performances from all, responding to one another perfectly to create the most entertaining evening that will have you crying with laughter. A slight amount of audience participation in Act Two could take the story in any direction, but it is dealt with perfectly and only adds to the delight.

The effects and mishaps are so well portrayed that, at times, it’s not actually clear what is purposeful and what has been embraced by the cast as a mishap that has just carried on - it’s all just so convincing!

If you’re expecting a tale of historical values and glimpses into the future, then you may be disappointed. However, if you’re willing to go along for the ride and see where it takes you, have a little bit of science, a little bit of Cher and a lot of laughs thrown in then you will be extremely happy.

Unruly, uncontrollable and possibly one of the best nights out ever!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Time Machine plays at Malvern Theatres until 1 April and continues its tour until 29 April, with further information here.