The Time Machine – The Lowry

There’s usually a golden rule that you don’t talk about yourself in writing a review. But when you end up being part of the show, it makes that somewhat tricky to follow.

But this being a play about time travel, let’s rewind. HG Wells’ sci-fi classic has been subject to many adaptations, but this has possibly been one of the most irreverent.

Borrowing heavily from the stylings of Mischief Theatre (the giants behind the ‘…Goes Wrong’ suite of shows), we have the familiar play-within-a-play setup as our three actors (George Kemp, Amy Revelle, and Michael Dylan) look to present their take on The Time Machine, having recently discovered that George is actually the great-great grandson of Wells’, with things failing to run as smoothly as they’d hope.

The show makes the most of the trio’s physical comedy skills, packed with comedy, Cher songs and the slightly chaotic vibe of fringe improv minus the usually untidy results. They work very well together as a troupe, with a nice mix of clashing personalities.

George Kemp is the charismatic, albeit mildly narcissistic, leader of the gang, obsessed with finishing the play even when lives are at stake. Michael Dylan is a hoot as the hyperactive geek of the group. Finally, Amy Revelle is charming as the strong-willed glue between the two boys, managing the boys with the air of a parent wrestling a pair of stroppy toddlers.

This is definitely a show of two halves. Despite the energy, Act 1 trundles along at a slow burn and lacks a fair bit of the panache of those spoofs that have come before.

The set up in Act 2 however, is where the show finds its own identity – and its feet, despite the anarchy that is about to follow.

On discovering that one of the performers is possibly not long for this world, via some trickery that gently pokes fun at Derren Brown, this reviewer ends up called onstage to partake in a dinner ‘date’, with the best wine and pizza the props team could rustle up, whilst my companion is forced into a bonkers Morlock costume, blanching when he is asked his views on improvised combat.

Another hapless volunteer is called upon to capture a drawing of our activities. Our involvement notwithstanding, it is the start of a much stronger half which goes on to have the audience in hysterics throughout.

It still feels like there are occasionally opportunities missed in Orla O’Loughlin’s direction and John Nicholson and Steven Canny’s writing. The set and lighting are also fairly basic, giving proceedings something of a shoestring-budget feel.

Perhaps the ultimate flaw is that the format is so tried and tested as to be in danger of reaching an expiration date and it’s a challenge nowadays for even the most skilled artiste to find a new take.

But there are also belly laughs peppered through the dialogue and the success of this show comes down to the sheer likeability of the actors.

Original Theatre might not have quite lived up to their name this time round and the show certainly doesn’t dwell on the profound observations on life and the universe made by the original scribe. But there is enough tomfoolery, and skill from the actors, to ensure that this passage of time is a highly entertaining and enjoyable one.

For more information visit : https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-time-machine-a-comedy/

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 23rd January 2024

Northwest End UK Rating: