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Camden Fringe
A clever and well-constructed show that will absolutely delight some, but for others may be a gimmick too far.Summary
Rating
Good
There is absolutely no doubting the time and effort that has gone into Save the Princess. It’s an interactive show that comes complete with its own website for in-show game play, along with some very well-designed video projections imitating the video games that Princess Plum comes across in her quest to change her course, from damsel-in-distress to adventurer in her own right.
There’s also plenty to admire with the performances. The three-strong cast of Esther Joy Mackay, Grace Hussey-Burd and Gabrielle Pausey really do put every effort in, with Hussey-Burd and Pausey’s multi-roling seeing them on and off stage for a host of costume changes as they take on all the different game characters Mackay’s Princess meets along the way. Even the costumes demonstrate an attention to detail, each wonderfully distinct and well made.
The show begins with Princess Plum in her usual home of Super Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom (although names have been changed, presumably for copyright purposes!). Except she is no longer waiting to be rescued from her imprisonment in the tower but has instead gained autonomy and self-awareness. This all leads to a glitch that sends her on a quest to find and change “the code” so that she can live a different life. Of course, having until this point known nothing more than being kidnapped, she is also a little unschooled in real life, displaying a lovely naivety when she falls into alternative games. The script is well constructed, filled with humour and knowing nods to gaming, especially the misogyny that exists within large elements of it.
Much as I can admire the construction of the show, for me there’s a major problem present. As Plum encounters new worlds and new characters, we are asked to vote on what she should do. The website we’re directed to as we enter changes to show us the options, red triangle for one and green circle for the other. Again, it’s clever, but it means much of the audience have their phone out, and of course are then constantly trying to unlock it ready for the next decision. It’s a distraction that I soon realised I didn’t need and I slipped my phone back into my pocket. Glancing around me I see that I wasn’t the only one to make that choice. Instead, I focused my attention on the stage again, where it should always be.
Then there is the actual aim of what we are being asked to do: there feels no real guidance other than to select circle or square. How do we know the parameters of the game to make such decisions? Tonight, as we reach the end, we are informed that we didn’t save the princess and the show ends. We’re even given a badge to proudly display our failure. But why did we fail? Were our decisions really that vital? Would we have done better if we had been given earlier guidance? What happens if we do save her? Did we miss anything more interesting by going down this route? Apparently, there are about 16 alternative routes to take, but to me, this means we are perhaps not seeing the best version of the show.
I’m sure Save the Princess will delight some people for its creativity, and many people tonight were undoubtedly thrilled by it. But it’s just a bit too pantomime-esque in places and a gimmick too far for my personal tastes. I can admire the craftsmanship and the thought behind it but that doesn’t guarantee enjoyment for everyone. In this case I was left looking for the exit button long before we reached the end.
Written by: Esther Mackay
Produced by: The UnDisposables
Save the Princess plays at Hen and Chickens Theatre until 14th August as part of the Camden Fringe. Further information and bookings available here.
