H.G. Wells’ masterpiece has been stripped of its seriousness and given a comedy makeover by a star-studded and talented cast
Starring in The Time Machine is Michael Dylan (Wilf), George Kemp (Jack Absolute Flies Again) and Amy Revelle (Offside). In the first half of the play, the three are we are rehearsing the importance of being earnest by Oscar Wilde. But George has other ideas for their performance. Claiming to be the great great grandson of H.G. Wells – with some questionable evidence, he switches the play to a re-creation of H.G. Wells The Time Machine. I have to admit I was a little confused in the beginning and wondered what I was watching. George’s inability to craft a play even under life-threatening circumstances contributes to this situation. Additionally, it appears his great-great-grandfather possessed genuine time-traveling abilities—a skill George manages to figure out as well. Consequently, the stage is now ready for the second half. I felt like the show took a while to get started in the first half, but still some funny moments a standout being a time traveling Meghan Markle, exaggerated American accident and all, explaining the long winded science behind time travel. Not forgetting the renditions of Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy, all in their attempt to hilariously explain the ‘time paradox’ to the audience. I can’t say I definitely understood the time paradox; but I certainly laughed.
The second half is where I truly feel like this show comes into its own. From the outset the energy is higher and the play has largely been abandoned. Amy took the helm in the second half, telling George in no uncertain terms to f#ck off which I think we all agreed with. The audience are dragged up, willing or not, to help make Micheal’s last moments special (before his inevitable death caused by something to do with the time travel paradox). The second half is much more dynamic, with a lot of improv that just all worked.
It was truly bizarre and in the best way. Micheal is particularly funny, getting laughs even without lines. He not only performs an Irish jig but also delivers a captivating soliloquy from “Withnail and I” which changes the pace & reminds us these are not just funny actors. Amy has a chaotic loud energy, bringing the fun with her love of Cher breaking into song at any opportunity. The three bounce off each other very well and the silly idiotic humour was a lot of fun to watch.
Reading a summary of the book afterwards, I realised it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the book before because it’s completely different & it’s supposed to be. I liked the escape of the show and just having a good laugh. I came straight from my office and I needed a laugh. The show was a lot of fun, and the cast never let the energy drop. I came away from it feeling a little confused but mostly amused.