When you return to see a show for a second time, you take a chance as to whether it will be as good as the first time, well, with The Wedding Reception the answer is a categorical no, it’s not as good as the first time – it’s even better!
The show, which was extremely clever and very witty when it made its debut at the Brighton Fringe last year, is making a triumphant return to the hallowed grounds of the Sussex County Cricket Club in Hove and has been tweaked and improved to a point where it is now a jaw-achingly hysterical farce which captures the audience’s imagination and takes them on a whirlwind trip into the lives of Will and Kate, the bride and groom.
As with many immersive theatre experiences, it is very hard to review what happens, as it can change, quite dramatically, from performance to performance depending on exactly how much the audience are willing to “get into the spirit” of the experience.
Luckily, on opening night, the entire audience was more than happy to become a part of this madcap world for two and a half hours and, as a result, we all end up having an absolutely splendid time, and a particularly enjoyable two course dinner, with cake!
The cast of four, Suzanna Hughes, Oliver Harrison, Katie Cooper and Jonathon Saunders play a total of nine characters in the production and, through the clever use of all of the entrance and exit routes in the restaurant, slick and quick costume changes and by giving each character very distinct and individual personalities, the actors ensure that each one is given equal prominence and the lines between them are never blurred.
It’s a strange dichotomy that, as the audience are relaxing and enjoying their dinner, the four actors are working so very hard to entertain them but, the combination of general chit-chat with our table mates and the total chaos that is happening all around us makes for a superb evening and the standing ovation for these tremendously talented actors is totally heartfelt and genuinely deserved.
***** Five Stars