Lost the Plot: An Improvised Musical at Omnibus Theatre Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
The Omnibus Theatre in Clapham is a powerful and enchanting independent theatre which bursts with new theatrical ideas and plays. Their latest of brand new show is Lost the Plot: An Improvised Musical, which is a recurring monthly show on the last Saturday of each month until the Edinburgh Fringe begins.
The premise of this show is simple. Each night, a brand new musical show is designed around the audience’s shouted suggestions. On the night I attended, suggestions included Mr Blobby’s house, Butlins in Bognor Regis, Dracula’s house and Maccies at 3am. Happily, tonight’s show was entitled“Winging it: the flight attendant musical” based upon the idea of a flight attendant academy and intermixed with some vampiric fun. This was an impressive musical performance that created a vivid plot, with plenty of side characters and multiple character arcs, all resolved within an hour. Without spoiling the entire show, we meet evil step-mothers, bewildered Dracula, the RAF (really affluent families) and a flight attendant trainer and her son.
The cast had some beautiful harmonies, especially in their ensemble opening song “Ride the Sky” as well as in a variety of duets, including “Mums the Word” and “Fold of My Heart”. Each song had witty one-liners and harked back to the title brilliantly. I was equally impressed by the entire cast, their phenomenal teamwork skills and that each member was allowed to shine.
There is no shortage of improvised-based shows in London; however, the sheer joy in the performers and their fabulous chemistry together shines brightly and elevates the overall theatrical experience. It is also captivating to watch an improv show which does not use any props but is entirely based on the vivid imagination of the audience and cast members. Quite literally anything can happen and it’s brilliantly entertaining to see the cast push each other and the audience as far as possible along this path.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable improv based experience. I would happily come and see this show again as the cast’s vivid imagination and inspired performances are well worth a repeat visit. If you enjoy hilarious musicals with compelling themes, a hilarious cast and wonderful improvised songs then this is the show for you.
Lost The Plot: An Improvised Musical runs on the last Saturday of each calendar month at Omnibus Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★
