REVIEW: GOD SAVE US! at Lion & Unicorn Theatre 6 - 10 October
“An enjoyable one act play with an array of talent, wit and creativity to entertain throughout.” ★★★ ½
The religious impact of the Battle of Hastings, while an unlikely setting for theatrical comedy, serves as an entertaining backdrop to a performance which is brought to life by a very talented group of actors. The play is promoted with the tagline “Horrible Histories meets The Office politics” and there are definite vibes of both these cultural outputs albeit without the same consistency from start to finish.
The play opens with some mild audience interaction with everyone assuming a role of congregant in a church alongside Joan (Julie Joubert) and Stephen (Charlie James-Howard). Theodore, played by George MacGowan, and Nicolas, Xavier Atkins, then conduct a religious ceremony in Latin. It’s a neat and innovative touch to both quickly engage the audience in the story as well as define the dynamics of these four characters.
However, the story then takes some time to find a rhythm. The first minutes thereafter are spent discussing the plotting of a riot against the church with some pacy dialogue which, despite being delivered impeccably, did little to add anything to the characters in those initial innings. The introduction of Alastair, the French dignitary to whom Theodore and Nicholas report, also felt like an unnecessary appearance, compounded by the dual role taken on by Joulbert.
Thankfully, the emergence of Asa, played by Lily Blunson, ignites some real conflict into the story. Her need to find the legal documents to secure the dwellings she received in her divorce settlement, Theodore’s unrequited interest and Joan’s desire to perform an agreed morality play in the form of a nativity create some compelling and humorous moments. The nativity alone could have served as a standalone micro play and it’s actually unfortunate that we don’t get to enjoy this scene for an extended period.
While the final act neatly ties together some of the plot lines, it does all feel a little convenient and rushed, especially after such an engaging middle section. Ultimately, it kills off the momentum that it did so well to build and, although we are left with a satisfying ending to an amusing tale, there’s a slight disappointment in a ‘what could have been’ sort of way.
While the energy and focus of the play is choppy in that respect, the same cannot be said of the acting which is stellar throughout. Particular mentions go out to MacGowan and Atkins who steal every scene they are in, but the whole cast should take credit for an ensemble performance that doesn’t dip at any point.
God Save Us! is an enjoyable one act play that showcases an array of talent and has enough wit and creativity to keep you entertained throughout, despite its most enjoyable moments being sandwiched by an opening and closing that could be a little more defined.
Part of Proforca Theatre Company's Here | For season of plays at Lion and Unicorn Theatre
Theodore: George MacGowan
Nicholas: Xavier Atkins
Joan/Alastair: Julie Joubert
Stephen: Charlie James-Howard
Asa: Lily Blunsom
Writer/Director: Esalan Gates
Photography Ross Kernahan
