Written by Todd Bell and Tomi Fry
Review by Orly Benn
The Fiascoholics have landed in Edinburgh with their fringe debut….. and it’s silly. As the world erupts in nuclear apocalypse (circa 2025-6), 5 unfortunate fortunates are mixed up in the impossible decision of choosing who to kick out of a bunker which provides their only guarantee of survival.
Written by Todd Bell and Tomi Fry, ‘4’s a Crowd (Or What Not to Do When Stuck in a Bunker During the Apocalypse)’ is a gloriously absurd and simultaneously scathing indictment on the prospect of human morality and death of human care in a world driven by fame, money, and individualism. The charm of the show is excavated in its self-awareness; director and writer Tomi Fry guides the ensemble team of actors in fantastic pace through the ridiculous motions of the plot, driving to a climax which, of course, culminates in a Tom and Jerry-esque absurd choreographed fight montage. The relentless puns and quick-witted quips of Bell and Fry’s writing are delivered with brilliance by their ensemble team of actors, whose chemistry is infectious and whose charm is intensified as a group. Each character is unashamedly farcical and irrefutably unlikeable; we are mixed up with a narcissistic D-List actor who somehow can’t turn off his acquired lisp (Todd Bell), along with the kind of bloke I would find threatening on the street (Leo Corbitt), and two people posing as the same cruel, self-aggrandising billionaire (Jessica Knight and Amber Mason). Indeed, as is made abundantly clear to us, if this “what’s left”, it’s pretty bleak.
Bell and Fry’s writing beautifully toes the line between absurdity and satirical observation. Whilst they don’t take themselves too seriously, they certainly have things to say, and we would perhaps be equally as absurd as them to not listen to their cry for a reboot in human care and connection in the face of genuine humanitarian crises.
Beautifully Written
4’s a Crowd (Or What Not to Do When Stuck in a Bunker During the Apocalypse) runs at Thespace @ Surgeons Hall
Running time: Forty-five minutes without interval
Review by Orly Benn (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Orly is entering into her final year as an English Literature student at the University of Edinburgh; a degree filled more with her involvement in student theatre than her commitment to academia. Orly’s involvement in theatre ranges from Shakespeare to musicaltheatre, with a particular interest in modern drama and new writing, which are the leading inspirations for (hopefully) a future career in the theatre. Orly believes Fringe is an extremely exciting and affirming environment for these passions, and can’t wait to see the promising work coming up this year.
