Presented by: Sporadic Productions
Reviewed: 30 October, 2024
Maskerade by Sir Terry Pratchett, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs, takes us into the Discworld where we follow the indomitable Granny Weatherwax (Kahlia Tutty) and sassy Nanny Ogg (Aimee Ford) as they become tangled in the operatic underbelly of Ankh-Morpork. The pair navigate the world of theatrics (performers and personalities alike), hidden agendas (who ever heard of a theatre making money anyway?), and the mystery of “The Opera Ghost” who appears to be terrorising the company. Parodying The Phantom of the Opera, this tale of humour and magic is an excellent introduction to Pratchett’s world for theatre going types.
Danny Sag has brought together an enthusiastic cast which boasts a number of “Kevin’s” (if you know, you know!) and thespians from a host of performing backgrounds. Of note, Tutty’s deadpan delivery of the formidable Granny Weatherwax complemented Ford’s witty and ever optimistic Nanny Ogg like beer and pork pies.
Shaun Helbig’s squeaky falsetto and timid demeanour brought the kind-hearted and bumbling stagehand Walter to life. Hugh O’Connor had the audience in stitches as the (almost!) human version of Greebo the cat.
All of the cast had clearly taken the time to understand and embody the Discworld characters, whilst also leaning into the comedy of the script. The Wednesday night audience clearly had a lot of fun with consistent laughs throughout the show.
Throughout there were some missed sound cues and dropped lines, which may have been related to some opening night jitters. The curtain leading backstage sometimes let the audience glimpse the magic backstage, however as this play was mainly set in a theatre this added to the performance at points.
The show was entertaining and the audience clearly enjoyed themselves, and refining the comedic timing and cues could enhance the overall impact.
Reviewed by Natasha Wood
Photo credit: Jeff Sawade
Venue: Holden Street Theatre
Season: ended
More News
