The world of musical theatre is being shaken up once again, as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz gets the Sh*t-faced Showtime treatment. The company's Shakespeare sibling is also in town over the summer with Much Ado About Nothing.
In case you're not already familiar with the concept, one member of the cast is nominated to get as drunk as possible before the show (tonight's involved nearly two bottles of Pinot Grigio) and to carry on as best as possible - though the fun comes in the inevitability that things will go wrong! Should the audience feel the actor isn't drunk enough, two patrons are given instruments to play and the actor will be provided with more alcohol; the show's host is also on hand to dish this out, or to keep them in line. Finally, one lucky audience member is put in charge of the bucket, and could be called upon at any moment to come to the show's aid. So sit near the front at your own risk!
Whilst a coherent story is obviously put together, that's not really what the evening is about. Watching a professional musical theatre actor try to negotiate lines and lyrics, blocking, harmonies, choreography, and quick changes is endlessly fascinating and entertaining; the amount they can remember despite their state is quite incredible. Then, of course, they might begin their own commentary, invent backstories for their character or come up with original subplots.
You just never know what will happen. As an example, this particular performance featured a drunken Scarecrow (Alan McHale) who decided that the show needed Dorothy to have a love interest - and the ideal man for her was him, so they ended up travelling back to Kansas together. The sober members of the cast have to be on their toes, keeping their colleague on track and even improvising large chunks of scenes, such as Dorothy (Issy Wroe Wright) having to explain that Toto had "Dead Dog Syndrome", which is why she had to carry him everywhere.
It's an irreverent and hilarious take on musical theatre, which should suit devotees and non-fanatics alike. The show lasts for approximately one hour, making it ideal night out material - especially if you've had one or two yourself!
Sh*t-faced Showtime: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is at Leicester Square Theatre on Sunday nights until 23 July
Picture credit: Rah Petherbridge Photography
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