Steven Canny and John Nicholson have crafted a witty and loose adaptation of H.G. Wells’ 1895 novel, “The Time Machine,” directed by Orla O’Loughlin.
In this rendition, George Kemp (Bridgerton) portrays George, not only an actor but also the great-great-grandson of H.G. Wells himself. When George stumbles upon a box of the author’s belongings, he, along with Amy (played by Amy Revelle) and Michael (portrayed by Michael Dylan), members of their quaint theatre troupe, opt to stage “The Time Machine” instead of their original plan to perform “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
The play-within-a-play concept, though not ground-breaking, is executed with finesse, showcasing well-chosen actors who each have their moment in the limelight, complete with stage falls, songs, and even a Miss Piggy impression.
The strength of the performance lies in the script, deftly sprinkled with well-placed swear words and a knack for never lingering too long on a single gag, ensuring sustained engagement from the audience.
In the second half, the show takes a predictable turn before descending into chaos with audience participation. Volunteers are dragged from the audience, there are dance numbers, Shakespearean soliloquies, and a live on-stage date. While the unpredictability adds an element of surprise, it may not resonate with everyone. We recommend a seat in the circle for those of us who aren’t ‘joiners’
Contemplating the idea of taking a journey in my personal time machine to revisit the performance, I’m on the fence, but the unexpected twists of the second half and the sheer amount of laughter it elicited make a compelling case for a second viewing.
