Having long been in the shadow of its slightly more famous Cambridge equivalent, this Oxford Revue defiantly leaps out of it, delivering a blistering, original and subversive hour of pure unrelenting hilarity.
Its success lies firstly in its exceptionally talented cast members. Nick Davies stands out as a most gifted physical comedian, simultaneously exuding energy, dynamism and a dose of neuroses; His robot impersonations and range of facial expression linger for some time after the show. Cameron Cooke is another cast member who can draw laughs on sight and his posh pigeon imitation was captivating. Harry Long also radiates raw talent, most notably when singing the ‘Middle Class Oxford Blues’ accompanying himself on guitar.
Indeed, the Oxford Revue cast are masters of introspection and self-deprecating humour, mocking both themselves and the middle class lives they presumably lead and indeed their own endeavours; the sketch in which the ‘Moxford Reblue’ met to discuss how to craft their next show was a typical example of this propensity to self-subversion.
Moments of absurdity abound and the surreal or bizarre elements are always positioned in the most banal or prosaic settings. In this sense, the madness and goofiness is constantly intruding into and overthrowing the sphere of ordinary, urbane middle class existence. Ruthlessly subversive, refreshingly different, well-crafted and superbly executed, Prattle Royale is not to be missed.
