Review: Spiders! Rosemary Branch Theatre

Camden Fringe 2024

Since Pirandello’s groundbreaking Six Characters in Search of an Author in 1921, theatre has continually pushed boundaries. As a fringe theatre enthusiast, I’ve seen countless productions that challenge expectations, and when it comes to Camden Fringe Festival, ‘defies categorization’ seems the norm rather than the exception. Spiders! at the Rosemary Branch Theatre continues this tradition, and while not necessarily groundbreaking, it offers a delightfully entertaining experience that captures the unique, squirm-inducing feeling of being at a friend’s house when their parents are having a massive argument – but with far more laughter.

It opens like a classic ‘small-town girl makes it in New York’ story, but instead of the expected Broadway musical number, we’re treated to a cacophony of urban sounds – construction noise, car horns, and a near-miss with a taxi. The plot follows a “New York Girly”, played by Emma Freund, who, after consuming too many edibles, hallucinates a trio of spiders offering her dating and life advice. These include the suave Cool Spider (Molly Wolff), the stereotypical French Spider (Audrey Parry), and the poor little Melancholy Spider (Hannah Waldman). While everyone is given their chance to shine, the standout performer is undoubtedly the ‘C*nty Spider’ (Alyson Wren), who fittingly steals the show as part of the plot. 

This plot, however, is merely a vehicle for exploring the creative process behind theatre productions. The cast, seemingly playing themselves, navigate the challenges of simultaneously creating and performing parody, interrupting the show to pitch ideas, give feedback, or argue with the writer. While clever and well-integrated, this meta-narrative treads familiar ground in experimental theatre. More focus could have been given to the heartfelt exploration of how this process affects interpersonal relationships, as the deterioration of friendships under the strain of collaboration is hinted at but not fully developed.

The use of lighting changes to differentiate between the main plot and fourth-wall breaks are effective, though the show playfully blurs these lines as it progresses. The costumes are simple but functional, with the French Spider’s mastery of silly string as a clever touch.

The comedic elements are the show’s main strength. The cast displays consistently strong stage presence, navigating a multifaceted humour that aims at various tropes and stereotypes. While some puns are intentionally cringe-worthy, the production never overplays its jokes, instead continuously finding new topics and fresh ways to subvert expectations.

The main challenge is assessing the cast’s true acting prowess, as many scenes involve them intentionally acting poorly for laughs. One wonders if a moment of genuine artistic display – perhaps fully reciting the Shakespeare monologue used as a throwaway gag – might have showcased the actors’ real range.

While Spiders! provides an entertaining deconstruction of theatre and the creative process, its heavy reliance on meta-humour feels somewhat dated. Despite this, the show remains a fun, if not innovative, experience that offers insight into the challenges and joys of fringe theatre. It’s a solid effort that will provide plenty of laughs and some food for thought.

Written by: Emma Freund 
Music by: Molly Wolff 
Special Effects Supervisor: Audrey Parry 
Stage Manager: Alyson Wren
Light and Sound Operator: Janhavi Shivalkar (they/she/he)
Set Design: Niall Gyulay (he/him)
Production by: A Poisoned Well Theatre Company

Spiders! plays at Rosemary Branch Theatre until 1st August, as part of the Camden Fringe. Further information and tickets are available here.