Review: Oh! Suburbia! By Bob Karper at The Hope Theatre, Islington 17 to 25 June 2022

‘A bonkers delight, but a delight nevertheless’ ★★★★

On the warmest day of the year being asked to go to the wondrous but ridiculously hot Hope Theatre to see a ‘one-man avant-garde theatrical revue’ involving a barbecue, a trombone and ‘audience participation’ did not fill me with great joy. But, and herein lies the beauty of theatre, this show is a delight. A bonkers delight, but a delight nevertheless.

The one-man is Bob Karper, a genial and kooky American midwesterner brought up in the sleepy and fixed suburb of Palos Heights. Two sisters, a glamorous and fun mother, and a father stoic in ‘solitude’ and not given to statements or indeed movements of any great note.

Karper weaves us through personal stories from his childhood against this suburban background and gently questions life, surroundings, purpose and tries to bring context to and within the suburban areas of today (Dagenham, Chiselhurst and Dartford are all name checked). He juxtaposes the ‘solitary’ nature of his father with the Broadway show Oh! Calcutta! - which featured a plethora of on-stage nudity - to bring to life-times and moments past.

There is an interesting and poignant story here, but Karper also doesn’t shy away from the ugly fact the homeowners of Palos didn’t want ‘outsiders’ (notably ‘black people’) intruding thus giving his past resonance to an American and, indeed, what might sometimes feel like, a universal present.

The narrative is driven - haphazardly but with love - by Karper employing a number of different media and musical instruments which give the piece energy, fun and make a real connection with the audience. Especially great is the piano-led song about his past fights, although the over-long contortionism (with trombone) seemed a little self-indulgent and ultimately fell flat.

With an accordion appearing out of a barbecue set, and with a three-screen set, what Karper does do is make us think about time, place and being. There are some lovely comic asides and the monologue never feels contrived or overly-long. There is a conclusion of sorts and, in reality, by dialling down the ‘avant-garde’ bit and turning up the pure storytelling, this would have been an even better show.

On a very, very hot day in London Bob Karper showed off a little show with a big heart, some big ideas and a big talent. Bravo!

17 - 25 JUN 2022 7.45PM

OH! SUBURBIA!

At The Hope Theatre

£16/£13/£10 PREVIEWS

Writer BOB KARPER

Director GARY WINTERS

TICKETS https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/oh-suburbia/

Reviewed by Paul Maidment