What’s it about?
Cautious, ethical insurance man Seymour (TV personality Nick Hancock) has spent “hundreds of hours” preparing to give a 20-minute presentation online to the big wig of the insurance world, Virginia. He’s panicking but prepared, only to be disrupted by the world’s worst burglar, Marvin (former EastEnders’ favourite Paul Bradley). Seymour’s wife, a neurotic TV actress, arrives home and together the three of them – against the will of Seymour – concoct an ingenious and very illegal plan to swindle millions off insurance customers nationwide, through the conjoining of the crime underworld and the upper echelons of the insurance business. All parties involved meet to strike a deal at a disastrous dinner party and chaos ensues, until Terry the Octopus brings things to an unexpected conclusion.
What makes it good?
What stands out as faultless in this show is the brilliant comic timing. Octopus Soup gives a welcome comeback to slapstick comedy and the timing of each remark or reaction is integral to its success. Paul Bradley’s sense of this in particular is immaculate, and keeps this British Farce true to its style in the most hilarious way possible.
The best bits
The absolute highlight of this performance is the Geordie insurance fraud detective portrayed by Gloria, Seymour’s wife (Carolyn Backhouse) as she falls into turmoil following the news that her role as this character in the new TV drama just commissioned has been robbed from her, and given to a cheap big-name actress. Gloria “goes method” and forgets who she is, becoming “Inspector Heggarty” and attempting to foil the entire operation. The funniest part of the show, with some strong competition, has to be this.
On until Saturday 23rd February. Book tickets here.
