Theatre duo MissMatch’s sparkling chemistry shines through in this funny and dynamic fight for the mic.
Stood on boxes on opposite sides of the stage and armed with standing microphones, Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney immediately cultivated an atmosphere of playful tension.
The intimate space of The Hope Theatre only served to heighten this as audience members eyes darted from performer to performer, with no escape from the gaze of the commanding and unafraid Ellie Campbell, playing the role of Liz with a comedically teasing and larger than life presence.
There was also no room for the audience to hide, choosing who to look at and listen to – the brash and bold Mary, loving the spotlight introducing herself as a theatre maker, physical performer, spoken word artist’ or the hesitant and uptight Liz who is getting so little attention, she taps the mic, questioning, ‘is this thing on?’.
Not only was it fascinating to watch the reception of these two different performances within the performance, but it also asked probing questions about creative expression and what kind of voices and stories get listened to and how far should we go to cater to the audience in order to be heard.
This particularly came to fruition later in the piece when Mary tells a tantalisingly sensual story about her first experience with a woman, allowing her to reach a place of self-acceptance of her sexuality, only for Liz to transform her words into a song which Keaveney sings beautifully but reduces Mary’s experience, making it consumable for the heteronormative gaze.
It was in these moments and in other moments of hilariously brash sexual honesty detailing being given an orgasm from a bus and a maggot filled vagina where the piece truly delighted, creating theatre that was unique and profound.
Two incredibly talented actors, Keavney and Campbell brought the play to life with a dynamism and command of the stage showcasing their eclectic talents and incredible chemistry and were clearly directed skillfully by Rosa Hallam Fryer.
The formal shifts are riveting and there is something truly beautiful in the chaos of the show and its evasion of simplicity and neatness, making Is This Thing On? a wild fun-filled ride, which keeps your brain ticking well after you’ve bid this skilful duo goodbye.