Ditch the panto – this is the funniest, most innovative and puppetastic show you will see this Christmas!Rating
Unmissable!
There’s only one show to spend your money on this [public holiday]-time and it’s The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)). Better than any panto, musical, puppet show or any number of individual generic productions, this is a mindblowing selection box of performance styles, combined in the chaotic, clever way that only Awkward Production can achieve. It’s unique and fall-off-your-chair funny!
The Fit Prince is a beautiful fairy tale that reinvents the conventional Netflix rom-com with a gorgeously gay twist. When Prince Elian of Swedonia’s (Linus Karp) father dies he must rapidly marry or risk losing the country. Failing New York baker Aaron Butcher (Joseph Martin) is commissioned to supply the wedding cake and when they meet romance ensues. Fortunately Swedonia legalised gay marriage in the 1200s so there’s no issue there…
Karp and Martin are outstanding, with exceptional comic timing and a gift for working their audience. Their use of the space is extraordinary: they vanish and reappear within moments as completely different characters, often whilst puppeteering or singing. But you need more than a cast of two to tell the tale and plenty of audience members are available to help, allocated parts from grubby orphans to a dead dad. They’re perhaps initially hesitant but then embrace their roles keenly, and this creates a room with a joyfully positive vibe, where people are encouraging each other to succeed. Well, except for Elin’s doppelganger who’s a tw*t. Karp and Martin coolly guide the blundering victims through their roles, managing the thrilling jeopardy with confidence: it’s an admirable skill. If that’s not enough, additional characters appear in ridiculous video cameos, supplying suitors, politicians and family members, including performances from the fabulous Kate Butch and award-winning Swedish musician Tove Lo.
What would an Awkward Prods show be without puppets though? And this time they have totally surpassed themselves. There’s a delightful appearance by Jenny Puppetson as Aaron’s best friend determined to battle fascism and reinstate democracy, but the arrival of orphanage manager, ugly old crone Gerta McMurder, is a completely jaw-dropping stunner. Created by puppet maker Hugh Purves, this imposing figure is not only visually impressive (and a seriously funny character) but speaks to the message within the play about acceptance and inclusivity. She might be ugly but she’s the most caring person in Swedonia, and surely, like Prince Elin, has a big dick (Swedonian for heart).
The score too is excellent, with original music by Leland. From the poptastic tunes of Swedonian icons BAAB ( ‘Movement King’ is an earworm!), performed outrageously by Karp and Martin in sequinned mini dresses, to the recurring motif of the Swedonian national anthem, to Gerta’s moving tribute to her orphanage, which wouldn’t be out of place on the West End stage, there’s an enormous range of tremendous sounds.
This show is the absolute essence of fringe. Performed on a limited budget, it embraces the lo-fi to make it hilarious, rejoicing in absurdity and offering no pretence at illusion, while positively reinforcing inclusivity. It creates a safe space to be human or not; to be with friends or support new ones; to celebrate flawed humanity in all its forms and the perfection of love, no matter who it is with. The Fit Prince is the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family (as long as you don’t take the kids) or a genuinely uplifting night out with a group of friends who want to laugh their sequins off and support democracy.
Citizens of Swedonia, please be upstanding for the kings of fringe comedy: we pay tribute to the unique team that are Awkward Productions.
Created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin
Original Music: Leland
Designer: Stella Backman
Puppet maker: Hugh Purves
Lighting Designer: James Appleby
Sound Designer: Kate Marlais
Additional Costume: Zack Pinset
Choreography: Sam Carlyle
Graphic Design: Alice Gorman
Additional Design: Wez Maddocks
Producers: Awkward Productions & King’s Head Theatre Productions
The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) runs at the King’s Head theatre until Saturday 3 January.
