In Episode 6 of our Mischief Makers podcast series celebrating Nine Years in New York, host Chris Lanceley is joined by Brent Bateman, who has played Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong ever since the production moved to New World Stages in 2019.
Edinburgh 2022: Review: CHARLIE RUSSELL AIMS TO PLEASE, Pleasance Below
Mischief Theatre’s Charlie Russell brings her solo show to Edinburgh!
By: Fiona Scott
Mischief Theatre have brought three shows to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, one of which is Charlie Russell's solo show, Charlie Russell Aims to Please, whereby Russell attempts to impress every single member of the audience in attendance at Pleasance Below.
The audience are warmly greeted by an eager Russell as they settle into their seats and, following a fun opening number, she outlines the premise of the hour to come: Russell will make every effort she can to please us, and we are to let her know when we have been satisfactorily made happy by her performance.
As you can imagine, this intimate show is very interactive so be prepared to share your interests (genuine and guilty pleasures!) and potentially help Russell out with some of the acts within the show - if you're not easily impressed, be ready to explain why!
The show is well-thought-out with clever cues, prompts and links to allow for lining up backing tracks and other items to help Russell please her audience. The crowd at this particular performance get to enjoy everything from a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical number to an improvised story about a cat called Connor who lives in Brighton. A simple curtain hides what must be a plethora of costumes and props which Russell uses to embody animals, Irish pop stars and more.
The show may initially seem on brand with Mischief's usual delightfully silly offerings, however this piece is probably most similar to their play Groan Ups, with a more serious message at the centre of the show.
Without spoiling the latter section, you come away having laughed and received some life lessons, particularly on our motivations behind wanting to be liked. It is unclear how much of the version of Russell portrayed in the show is based on truth, but the audience should be aware that the show includes mild language and adult themes if bringing children and teenagers along, given the show's 14+ age recommendation.
It's certainly worth considering whether performers should always be quite so vulnerable, sharing their own trauma on stage for the sake of their craft (and at the expense of their mental health!), particularly on a daily basis as part of the relentless Fringe regimen. This was this reviewer's only concern coming away from the show.
Part-party tricks, part-therapy, Charlie Russell Aims to Please really does have a big beating heart at the centre of the show, and whether you're new to Mischief Theatre's work or attending this show as part of the Mischief triple-bill at the Fringe, this show will (hopefully) entertain you and have you questioning whether the hoops we all jump through in life are worth it.
Charlie Russell Aims to Please at Pleasance Below until 27 August
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Podcasts
Nine Years in New York | Episode 5
In Episode 5 of our Mischief Makers podcast series celebrating Nine Years in New York, host Chris Lanceley is joined by former crew members Lilian Sun and Austin Gray to go behind the scenes of The Play That Goes Wrong in New York.
Nine Years of New York | Episode 4
The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating Nine Years in New York and this series our host, long-time cast member Chris Lanceley, is talking with some of the wonderful people who helped make the last nine years possible!
Nine Years of New York | Episode 3
The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating Nine Years in New York and this series our host, long-time cast member Chris Lanceley, is talking with some of the wonderful people who helped make the last nine years possible!
Nine Years of New York | Episode 2
The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating Nine Years in New York and this series our host, long-time cast member Chris Lanceley, is talking with some of the wonderful people who helped make the last nine years possible!
Nine Years of New York | Episode 1
The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating Nine Years in New York and this series our host, long-time cast member Chris Lanceley, is talking with some of the wonderful people who helped make the last nine years possible!
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG with Blair Baker
This play had me cracking up and Blair Baker was the source of many of the laughs and even gasps! Join Sarah and Blair to chat about the hilarious Off-Broadway show, The Play That Goes Wrong, in which Blair Baker covers several roles.
Episode 150 | Liana Hunt: "Broadway Babies"
Survival Jobs, hosted by Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, is proud to celebrate its milestone 150th episode with a joyful and inspiring conversation featuring the super talented and charming Liana Hunt.
Elevenses with The Play That Goes Wrong | Episode 4
Our #Elevenses series has flown by... but NOT SO FAST, INSPECTOR! 😮 There's still one more! With Jonty Peach who plays Jonathan in our current London cast, and Greg Tannahill who originated the role! Full episode will also be available to watch on YouTube this week.
Elevenses with The Play That Goes Wrong | Episode 3
Get ready for one of Sandra's episodes 😮 An #Elevenses one, to be exact - as Charlotte Scott who plays Sandra in our current cast talks to Charlie Russell from our original cast!
Elevenses with The Play That Goes Wrong | Episode 2
This'll bring a smile to your face (just like Max's!) Our next #Elevenses interview is out now - with Tom Wainwright who plays Max in our current London cast, and Dave Hearn who originated the role!
Elevenses with The Play That Goes Wrong | Episode 1
When Dennis met... well, Dennis! To celebrate the 11th birthday of The Play That Goes Wrong, we brought together the current cast and their original counterparts - to talk about the show! And our first episode includes Jonathan Sayer and Mitesh Soni, talking over a cuppa!
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