Hughie Shepherd-Cross’ Gang Bang follows the events triggered by mafia boss Don Lambrini taking the wrong boat out of Sicily and ending up in Blackpool. Directed by Auguste Voulton, this three-hander blends physical comedy, word-play, visual gags and heaps of parody, culminating in a show that can only be described as wildly fun.
A show that can only be described as wildly fun.
Sheperd-Cross’ premise is brilliant: a hopeless Italian-American mob in Lancashire who are dead-set on being the biggest, baddest folks in town. After the death of the head honcho - who will take over? The schmuck, Aldente Panino, or the heir? Jack Lambrini vows to get his revenge, and enemy Fray Bentos poses a threat to the family’s status in the 17 families of Lancashire. The madcap plot is delivered with aplomb by the cast Fabian Bevan, Hannah Johnson and Fred Trenholme. There are great moments of physical comedy and quick-changes paying tribute to the farce genre which matches the tone of the show well. Farce meets gangster film tropes as we encounter classic characters such as incompetent policemen, sleezy villain and Godfather-esque ‘Don’.
The script is jam-packed full of references left, right and centre, guaranteeing that there will be something you will relate to. Everywhere you look there is another gag, which creates excellent pacing and keeps the audience entertained throughout. Sometimes these come in such quick succession, however, that one or two jokes can be missed and not quite land the way they could have done. In saying this, the actors do an excellent job in their delivery, not over-egging the jokes but making sure they are noted by the audience, much to the credit of Vouton’s direction. Perhaps, then, the remedy lies in the script itself, and some small edits could be made to give some of the gags more room to breathe. In addition to this, the narrative could be cleaned up a little at the beginning of the show to make sure the storyline is crystal clear before the play kicks off, especially when multi-roling and quick changes are involved.
What is incredibly clear is the sound design, which is excellently crafted to paint a distinct picture of the characters’ varied and complex surroundings. Whether it be a car chase through a racecourse, news headlines being announced on the streets of Blackpool, or Fray Bentos’ pie-filled lair, the audience are transported with massive support from the soundscapes created.
Gang Bang is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you like parody and a good dose of clever tongue-in-cheek humour, you’re sure to love this show.
