Potty The Plant: The Musical at Wilton’s Music Hall Review

Reviews

27 Jun

Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

In the heart of historic Wilton’s hall lies a story where there is far more than meets the eye, and the wonder that is nature has created a sentient, talking plant called Potty. Less “feed me” than Seymour and more Young Frankenstein level of chaotic joy, this sweetly innocent plant lives on the desk of his best friend Dr. Acula a vampiric doctor at Little Boo Boo’s hospital. Director and writers Aeddan Sussex, Baden Burns, and Sarah Burns have created a warmly chaotic masterpiece that will warm the seeds of even the most hardened hearts.

With joyful and very catchy music by Baden Burns, we see a plot unfurl which has the musings of Rocky Horror, Little Shop of Horrors, Scooby Doo, and Agatha Christie. Dr Acula (Ash K-B) is attempting to seduce Miss Lacey (Lucy Appleton) into marriage so he can steal her oil ring and become a wealthy count. This is scuppered by Potty (Baden Burns) who is also in love with Lacey. Therefore Potty, an absolutely adorable puppet, works with three dynamic nurses (Stephanie Cubello, Sam Ridley, Joe Winter) to save the day and rescue Miss Lacey and little boo boo general from Dr. Acula’s hypodermic clutches. The actors were entirely wonderful and filled with boundless energy. I was particularly impressed with Ash K-B’s Johnny Bravo style of Dr.Acula and his truly fantastic singing. The trio of nurses have wonderful chemistry together and had my sides aching in laughter at their continued antics.

The marvellous thing about fringe theatre is that there is no limit to the imagination and creativity of a story. Potty the Plant The Musical has a veritable abundance of plant based humour and it’s filled with skits that would make Scooby Doo proud. It seesaws between childish humour and darkly witty retorts, but this is balanced brilliantly throughout. At 1 hour running time, it is a perfectly placed amount of fun that feels joyful and entertaining without being over stretched or losing tension.

This musical is joyful chaos in the best theatrical form. I absolutely adored the balance of Scooby gang escapades and sheer botanical chaos. If you enjoy “blooming marvellous” warmly fun shows with excellent dark British humour and a pinch of musical chaos then this is the show for you.