With multiple sell-out Fringe runs and an acclaimed full-scale musical under their belts, it’s safe to say that comedy group Police Cops (made up of Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe) have had a busy few years.
Not ones to take their feet off the pedal, the trio are back at Underbelly Festival in Cavendish Square this summer, with the return of their 2017 sci-fi send-up Police Cops in Space.
We meet galaxy-dwelling Sammy Johnson, the son of the late Jimmy Johnson — the so-called ‘Best Damn Police Cop Ever’ — who becomes embroiled in a cosmic caper after the Australian humanoid who killed his father returns for his revenge (and to destroy the universe, obviously).
Parodying the likes of Blade Runner, Star Wars and The Terminator, Police Cops in Space picks apart the genre’s classic tropes, chews them up, and spits them out onto the stage in a fit of remarkably entertaining chaos.
Alongside Sammy and his new partner, the wannabe ace pilot Ranger, we meet a huge variety of kooky characters, each distinguished with charmingly scrappy costumes and some inspired accent work.
Police Cops in Space is an absolute masterclass in physical comedy, including some ingeniously creative props — who knew a couple of glow sticks attached to some bits of string could create such a convincing space motorbike?
The comedic chemistry between the trio is also a true joy to watch. You can see how much fun they’re having on stage, and I’d bet good money that it’s impossible not to have fun as an audience member. It’s a particular delight to see the moments when a performer has clearly strayed a bit off script into something even more absurd than originally written, much to the amusement of the other actors.
With the action spanning across time, space, and a few dingy bars, at certain points it’s easy to get lost in the flurry of new characters and locations. But when you’re watching a show this hilarious, the intricacies of the plot are hardly at the forefront of your mind.
Police Cops in Space is completely, utterly stupid in the best possible way, and I’m excited to see what this trio of very clever comedic brains comes up with next.
For fans of offbeat, off-the-wall humour, this is an intergalactic theatrical treat that’s (…don’t say it…) out of this world.
(Sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Running until 18th August
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/police-cops
Reviewer: Olivia Cox
Reviewed: 1st August 2024
North West End UK Rating: