Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
A digital musical adventure with an excellent ensemble.Summary
Rating
Good
Have you ever watched a show and disagreed with a character’s choices? Writhed in your seat, desperate to cry out at them to take the other path? Kept silent, only by the pressure of theatre etiquette and the fear of being ‘shhhhd’ by a front of house usher? Well in Gigglemug’s choose-your-own-adventure musical RuneSical, having a say in the narrative isn’t only encouraged, but vital.
Granted, the decisions you make in RuneSical don’t feel like huge, consequential choices, and sometimes when making them there isn’t a lot to go off. As we choose for our protagonist, Lance_054 (Christian Maynard), sometimes the stakes for each option aren’t clear, so selections feels a little random. But, especially with this being a recorded production, the element of choice is a strong reason to invest in watching. It is so easy to be distracted from one media by another, particularly when you are ‘just’ watching, so being involved in the direction of the plot is a unique way to ensure our engagement. It’s also the perfect style to replicate the control of a player in a game such as RuneScape, on which the show is based.
The production starts energetically, with an ensemble musical number where the liveness and atmosphere extend through the screen. The fast-paced lyrics (by Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot) are catchy and informative – helpful for a “noob” like me! Performances are strong all-round, and Jenna Sian O’Hara is a standout with some stunning vocal work. Maynard also sings beautifully, and both display great physical skills. As the Wizard, Cochrane has some great comedic moments and is a strong character to return to throughout.
The cast are a team, and the scenes are especially alive when they are working together. Good physical moments, such as Lance’s dancing and the simulated bobbing of characters that riffs on the video game, are funny and endearing.
All costumes are totally appropriate to recreate classic video game characters and provide a varied and stimulating visual landscape. They clue the audience in immediately as to the characters’ roles and archetypes, whilst at times subverting expectations.
The narrative’s duality, as it explores both the in-game plot and feelings outside of the digital, is essential in creating the heart of the story. Some moments feel rushed, which disconnects us from certain characters, but the overall message is feelgood and wholesome – at least in the version my decisions created!
Written, directed, and produced by: Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot
Orchestrations by: Tom Slade
Musical direction by: Amy Hsu
Associate directed by: Lizzie Manwaring
RuneSical is available to watch online free here.
