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Glitz and glamour abound. This comedy is an entertaining tribute to the spectacle that is Eurovision!Summary
Rating
Good
There is surely a huge overlap between lovers of theatre and Eurovision enthusiasts; what’s not to like when it comes to crazy costumes, live music and excessive campness? Writer Martin Blackburn has taken the much loved song contest and transformed it into a production full of laughs, self-aware cheesiness and which plays off new and old tropes alike.
From the outset, this play is as subtle as a sledgehammer. With familiar tunes only heard one night a year playing during scene changes, along with groan worthy puns, the performance leans into being bold and brash. The style of the writing is reminiscent of sit-coms, the actors making use of accents and physical comedy whilst constantly jabbing at each other with witty dirty jokes. References are made to Eurovision’s of bygone years – some which everyone will remember, others are lovely easter eggs sprinkled in (all the characters are named after previous Eurovision performers!)
This play centres around Josh (Kane Verrall), a Eurovision superfan who hosts a dedicated gathering with loved ones each year. Each scene sees another year gone by, while some subtle decoration changes remind the audience which city is that year’s host. This format of the scenes happening years apart works well, showing their ever-changing careers growing or failing, welcoming the audience into a window of their lives for just one night a year. The contest is often used as a distraction from what could be painful conversations.
While a play with the title Nul Points could become susceptible to being banished to the dusty corners for being a niche Eurovision play, it still remains relatable and palatable to even those who are not huge fans. Yes, the Eurovision references are plentiful, but the various relationships between lovers, family and friends are beautifully displayed. The struggling actors-come-writers sacrifice their friendships for careers leading to guilt and betrayal running deep.
As the story turns from simply watching friends party to watching their struggles towards the end – avoiding spoilers as much as possible – it felt that the tone of the script did not do these moments justice. The over-the-top delivery stand-up like delivery causes an unnatural contrast to the topics being dealt with. A more subtle, witty approach may have worked better as a result.
It is something special that this production has successfully aligned with real-life Eurovision, including a Eurovision Final Part on the same day as the actual contest. This makes for a great night out if watching from home isn’t cutting it for you. The show definitely deserves more than Nul points!
Written by: Martin Blackburn
Directed by: William Spencer
Produced by: Peter Bull
Design by: David Shields
Nul Points plays at Union Theatre until 20 May. Further information and bookings can be found here.
