Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
Camden Fringe
Plays about struggling thespians aren't exactly thin on the ground, but while lacking in originality this is at least a pretty funny, fast paced affair.Summary
Rating
Good
If there’s one thing the theatre doesn’t lack, it’s tales about what it’s like to struggle as an unemployed performer, and the desperate lengths someone might go to get a role. Break A Leg Babe doesn’t bring anything particularly original to the genre, but it is a fast, fun ride, even if it flirts with absurdity a little too often.
Only known as Actress (Rebecca Rayne), the protagonist shows from the outset how deceptive she’s prepared to be in order to get a role, as she auditions for a role in an immersive dinner experience, lying about her experience and capabilities. Even when she’s caught off guard and has to confess to lacking a specific skill she swears she’ll learn it as quickly as possible, and after the interview sends a very carefully worded email which doubles down on just how dedicated she is.
Actress works as a part-time nanny, and the play suddenly takes a surreal direction when we discover that the very young infant she cares for can talk to her, and not only that but appears to be able to pinpoint and mock her inner demons. Clearly meant to show her deteriorating sanity it’s a fun device, with the baby taunting her mercilessly with some very funny, caustic lines. But it sits uneasily with the rest of the play where she comes across as relatively sane, and while seemingly very smart her lack of self-awareness seems odd.
There’s some fun audience participation whenever Actress takes a tube ride and two audience members have to stand beside her and respond to her neurotic questions. Leanne Pettit is on hand to play all of the other roles in the play, from self-obsessed boyfriends to seemingly malicious casting directors. But sometimes there’s a broadness to her portrayals that cause them to feel slightly am-dram, and while she nails some roles, others seem like a caricature.
At forty minutes, Break A Leg Babe certainly doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. Rayne is fantastic in the lead role, and the show is well directed, with a high level of energy throughout, making great use not only of the stage but also the auditorium, while a couple of video clips contain some strong laughs. Indeed, the jokes hit home more often than not, but it lacks substance, and the way it comes to a close feels a little extreme. There’s an awful lot of promise shown, and with a tightening of the script and a little more depth given to the characters this enjoyably frivolous but inessential affair could become a real delight.
Written by Rebecca Rayne
Directed by Jennifer Brooke.
Break A Leg, Babe plays at Museum of Comedy for Camden Fringe until 14 August. Further information and bookings can be found here.
