Let's set the scene. The centre of Brighton, in a small bustling theatre space at The Warren. Where better to put on a show involving politics and the B word (Boris Johnson)? Right? Although politics is currently taking over everyone's lives at the moment this hilarious rendition of modern day politics by Charlie Dupre is the different outlook we needed.
If you're looking for something magnificently funny... Boris Rex is the show for you.
Let the Falling Sparrow theatre company take you full speed ahead on a whirlwind through British politics. With their previous shows including Macblair they are continuing to portray politics through a Shakespearean lens. And they're doing it well.
If you enjoy Shakespearean verse intertwined with the confusion that is politics at the moment, then get down to The Warren. The journey starts in 1986 and weaves its way through the dramas of the well-known MPs that unite the British people in anger, moving forward to predicting the future political catastrophes. With incorporations of Theresa Mays 'dad dancing' and Boris' fight with his inner (and occasionally idiotic) demons, it makes for a truly comical production. With the jokes not just being aimed at the Tories, but also at Jeremy Corbyn's stance on the Left side of the political debates. There is a complete sense that we are all doomed in terms of politics... but why not laugh along with it? After all, it is what it is. The group's knowledge and obvious research into the politics of each era ensures for an amazing watch. Including aspects from the 20th century as well as the 21st century and using elements of Brexit add to the overall experience, giving you a rounded outlook on the progression, or lack of progression, in politics. You can decide for yourself which one you feel to be true.
The performers nail the facial expressions and body language of each politician to a tee, making you feel like you're truly watching Theresa May squirm in the Prime Minister's seat. You can also enjoy the less uptight aspects of politics and dance along with your favourite politicians to classics such as ABBA's Dancing Queen, the song that spawned a thousands memes after May danced on stage to it at last year's Conservative Party Conference. With verses from Shakespeare also being drawn in, the mood continually switches from joyous and funny to something a bit more disturbing, but what more would you expect from a political Shakespearean tragic comedy?
If you're looking for something magnificently funny as you search through the many shows on at the Brighton Fringe, Boris Rex is the show for you.
