‘An incredible feat of activism and satire‘
BOY Theatre’s Campitalism is incredibly well executed. It is not easy to condense the UK’s current financial situation into a one hour show, harder still to do this while also nailing camp caricatures of toxically ambitious manosphere businessmen. But devisers and performers Maria Telnikoff, Kit Miles and Cherry Eckel have managed tremendously well.
Merging a TED talk style format with grotesque, almost Berkoffean physical theatre, Campitalism delivers complex financial jargon and striking social observation in a consistently engaging format. BOY Theatre are precise performers who have brilliant on stage telepathy, yet their richly detailed delivery retains a playfulness that prevents any risk of seeming over-rehearsed. They achieve a huge amount with simple design elements, such as a projector screen showing well-timed cultural references or comedic incisions. Not only does this root their work in its well-researched political relevance, but amplifies the distinctly modern performance style they are reaching for.
The first half of Campitalism is very high energy and packed with outrageous humour as the performers embody ignorant businessmen, all three named ‘Brian’, who mansplain how to make the economy work for you. This is appropriately repulsive, enough to summon pure rage were it not for the delivery being wisely mediated through comedy. But just as the repulsion of their caricatures intensifies, these dynamic performers then change gears and deliver beautifully candid recollections of their own financial challenges. Well timed and thoughtful decisions such as this ensure Capitalism never hits the ceiling of its potential, but continues to evolve and develop throughout.
This show is genuinely informative, thought provoking and completely hilarious. I am excited by BOY Theatre’s creative voice and will be eagerly awaiting whatever more they have to offer.
SHOW LISTING
LISTING INFORMATION:
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard, Attic
Dates: Aug 10th -31st (exl. 17th)
Time: 14:05 (55 mins)
Ticket prices: £14.50 / concessions £13.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / http://www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+