Writing a review for Quite Nice Theatre’s Snakes the Musical is an interesting concept, as the musical hasn’t actually happened yet. In a brilliant piece of writing, Artistic Director Thom Sellwood looks to pitch the ‘biggest musical since Death of a Salesman’ to his audience, a room of unknowing West End producers. All he needs to fulfil his dream is fifty million pounds…
The pitch could not be more perfect, exciting or ambitious with Sellwood promising his investors the works. From hidden animatronic snakes that will rise from the seats of the audience, to a triple rotating stage and a snake perfume designed to attack an audience members sense of smell - Snakes on a Plane promises to be ‘the’ fully immersive theatre experience.
Each scene of Snakes is commentated and set up by the gregarious director and writer of the future Tony Award-winning smash hit. Assisted by his two genuinely gifted actors, the Snakes Trio give their audience a taste of what they will be investing in. The play focuses on the comically named, all-american hero ‘Leroy Toughman’ who, on his way back from Rome, boards the ill fated flight that unknown to him has been hijacked by the Russian Mafia and a bag full of snakes. Confidently declaring the eternal words ‘What could possibly go wrong?’ Toughman is about to go on an adventure he will never forget, meeting a bevvy of brilliantly crafted characters, including his love interest ‘Rosie Kicks’, the unfortunate daughter of a belt maker from New York.
The two stage actors Sellwoods’ Director has cast for his preview are both simply brilliant, managing single person montages, love scenes, choreographed dance numbers and a whole host of wacky and wonderful characters and songs. With an undercurrent of a homoerotic love triangle, Snakes the Musical keeps its audience on the edges of their seats throughout. The production has a great script, concept and not enough can be said for the multi-faceted talents of the cast.
Quite Nice Theatre have produced a romantic, action packed adventure that wades seamlessly through every archetype of West End musical and Hollywood blockbuster. It’s engaging, addictive and a must see at this year’s Fringe. Prepare your chequebook.
