Big Brother Blitzkrieg by Max Elton
Newcastle
University Theatre Society
Venue: Sweet
Max Elton’s Big Brother Blitzkrieg for the Newcastle University Theatre Society
(NUTS) looks set to become one of this year’s student triumphs at the Edinburgh Fringe, attracting packed
houses at Sweet and rave reviews.
Locked inside an alternative-universe Big Brother
house where no-one recognises a swastika when they see one, five housemates
gradually fall under the spell of the sixth – an oleaginous but thoroughly sinister
cartoon Hitler, played with darkly humorous aplomb by Christian Cargill.
Appealing to the vanity
of each and playing on their weaknesses and shifting alliances, he uses each to
get a little closer to his ultimate aim. Loudmouthed chav Rachel is swiftly
evicted, but her boyfriend, strutting Mancunian rapper M-Cat, is given just
enough power and influence to survive as long as he can be useful. Adolf quickly uncovers and exploits the emotional
vulnerability of failed entrepreneur Clive and beribboned alt-rock princess
Camilla, but recognises a kindred spirit in the control freakery of WI stalwart
Maude.
Hilarious and disturbing by
turns, the writing is tight, the performances on point and the climax genuinely
chilling.
No comments:
Post a Comment