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Camden Fringe
A charming, if uneven, homage to Neil Gaiman's fantastical worlds.Summary
Rating
Good
Fantasy has always held a special place in my heart. While Terry Pratchett may be my first love, Neil Gaiman’s works have left an indelible mark, with Stardust being one of the first fantasy novels to ever capture my imagination. So when I heard about Mixed Omens, an improv show at the Etcetera Theatre based on Gaiman’s work, it seemed like a must-see event.
Directed by Stephen Davidson, this ambitious production aims to capture the essence of Gaiman’s fantastical worlds through the unpredictable medium of improvisation. The show begins with an audience interaction — a choice between a lock, a rose, and a feather which seemingly decides which cast member gets on stage first, setting the stage for an evening of spontaneous storytelling.
As one cast member mimes reading a book, we’re transported through narration to a time when stories roamed free, not yet by the written word. This opening sequence brilliantly evokes the goosebump-inducing atmosphere characteristic of Gaiman’s work, reminding me more of Stardust than the obvious Good Omens inspiration.
The improvised plot crystallises around two intertwining narratives: that of an author (Karolina Kriks) seeking inspiration, supported by her baking enthusiast friend (Teresa Senyah), alongside the tale of Patronus (Invi Brenna), a forgotten god of sweet things, who bestows a magical finger of fudge upon her avatar, Frengle (Chris Mead). The ensemble weaves these threads together with a mix of humour and horror that would make Gaiman proud, including a particularly memorable scene where Frengle turns his father into fudge and is compelled to devour him.
While the cast’s energy and commitment to the improvisational format is commendable, the performance is not without its stumbles. There are moments when plot hooks are missed or ignored, leading to some narrative confusion. For instance, a potentially dramatic choking scene near the end seems to fall flat, and a promising disguise subplot is left unexplored. These missed opportunities highlight the inherent challenges of improv but also leave the audience wondering about the roads not taken.
Despite these hiccups, Mixed Omens successfully explores themes of worship, creation, and the power of storytelling. The cast’s ability to conjure a cohesive narrative from thin air is impressive, with the standout performance coming from Meads anchoring the show’s dual plotlines.
The minimalist set design, primarily utilising a couple of chairs and a table, as well as various fabrics and masks as costumes, proves effective in creating the fluid, dreamlike atmosphere required for this type of storytelling. It allows the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps, much like reading a Gaiman novel.
While Mixed Omens doesn’t quite reach the heights of its literary inspiration, it offers an entertaining and often thought-provoking evening of theatre. In its best moments, it reminds us of the magic that can happen when imagination is given free rein — a reminder of why people fall in love with fantasy in the first place. For fans of Gaiman’s work or those who appreciate the raw energy of improv, this show provides a unique experience that, despite its flaws, captures the spirit of collaborative storytelling.
Directed by: Stephen Davidson
Cast: Invi Brenna, Chloe Kennedy, Karolina (Karo) Kriks, Chris Mead, Jon Nguyen, Ashara Peiris, Avril Poole, Teresa Senyah, and Kierann Shah
Mixed Omens has finished its run at Etcetera Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe. Further information about the show can be found here.
