REVIEW: RuneSical by Gigglemug at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 16 April 2023
‘Whip-smart humour and the cast's vocal expertise really elevates this musical’ ★★★★
RuneSical is a multiple choice high-energy musical spoof of the video game RuneScape. To this reviewer's relief, you needn't worry about never playing it, or even knowing what it is. Gigglemug Theatre deliver a high-paced musical involving the audience throughout and make excellent use of the recent zeitgeist of high fantasy genre dominating our screens - think The Witcher, Rings of Power, House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and you'll recognise RuneSical.
The comedy musical follows our 'hero' Lance (Christian Maynard) as he begins his 'quest' with sidekicks, including a precocious elf Odin (Katie Pritchard) and princess-come-heroine, Pearl (Jenna Sian O'Hara). Our group of heroes enter the world of RuneSical and are set tasks, similar to the game, and how they navigate through the video game. The real hilarity comes in the show's comment of virtual video game character vs real life people - characters drop in and out of 'live play' and the whip-smart humour of all the cast zips the adventure along nicely. Musicality is a big factor, and the cast of actor-musicians are superbly led by Lydia Barton Lovett, Alex Prescot and Theo Diedruck. All three have excellent moments of character work and shine in their own songs.
The songs are woven into the adventure and serve to show off the cast's vocal expertise which really elevates this musical from any other comedy musical. Writer/Directors Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot, who also star in the show, have sculpted a crowd-pleaser from a niche-area. Musical direction by Amy Hsu particularly shines in the company numbers.
Runescape players and non-players alike will find a lot to love about this musical comedy. An hilarious and joyous addition to Upstairs at the Gatehouse this season.
Reviewed by Emma Godwin
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