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A riotous 60-minute ride of hilarious impressions by one man comedy machine Luke Kempner. Summary
Rating
Excellent
James Corden may be “dead,” but fear not, for the indomitable Superintendent Ted Hastings, alongside Sergeant Catherine Cawood and DCI Luther, are on the case. Amidst the star-studded suspects – such as King Charles and Sir Ian McKellen – lie ‘little’ Steve Arnott, Claudia Winkleman, and even a human representation of the famous ‘long beep’ from Line of Duty. Can this motley crew solve the murder? You bet they can! Luke Kempner promises 60 impressions in 60 minutes, and true to his word, he delivers flawlessly. He is a one-man comedy machine.
As an avid fan of police dramas, my enthusiasm for gritty police dramas knows no bounds. Kempner’s show proves to be a perfect fit for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Boasting characters from a myriad of police dramas, reimagined renditions of musical theatre classics, and witty jabs at television stereotypes, it’s an all-encompassing delight. From the likes of Donald Trump to Boris Johnson and comedians with “annoying laughs,” Luke Kempner ensures the audience remains thoroughly engaged and entertained throughout. His spot-on portrayals of Steve Arnott and Catherine Cawood elicit the biggest laughs, capturing the essence of these characters with uncanny precision.
The lighting and sound design serve as the initial gateway to the show’s immersive world, with Jake Bugg’s “Trouble Town” seamlessly setting the tone from the get-go. Pre-recorded vocal tracks further enhance Kempner’s performance. Lighting is used to great effect to get the ‘blues and twos’ going at key points. The pace of the show is nothing short of electrifying, with Kempner effortlessly transitioning between characters, each one brought vividly to life through his boundless energy and undeniable talent.
What sets this show apart is not just the impressions, it is the incredibly complicated storyline that not only manages to flow and make sense but that Kempner remembers and performs with ease. Each character comes with not only a different voice but a different physical embodiment and even if you don’t know the character Kempner is portraying (I have to admit I knew nothing of the football characters!) it is clear what they bring to the storyline. None of the 60 impressions promised in the 60 minutes are weak and even when desperate for a character (the human embodiment of the ‘long beep’) Kempner delivers this with such flair that the audience can be completely forgiving, and entertained.
Kempner’s show is an absolute must-see for anyone yearning for a side-splittingly hilarious experience. With his impeccable impressions, razor-sharp writing, and expertly crafted performances, Kempner leaves the audience clamoring for more. It is a comedic masterpiece that is bound to leave you chuckling long after the final curtain falls.
Written by: Luke Kempner
Produced by: Avalon
Gritty Police Drama has completed its current run at Soho Theatre.
