Stranded, The Two Horsemen Review

Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.

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What would you do if you were a teacher and a teaching assistant stranded on an island with a drama class following a plane crash? Try tirelessly to catch the attention of any planes flying over? Make sure you have enough food supplies to keep you alive? In Matt (Tom Jacob-Ewles) and Julian’s (Liam Brennan) case, they decide to keep spirits up by engaging in improv games and stories, all while Matt tries to find a way to escape and Julian enjoys his new role as the leader.

Stranded is the first improvised comedy show that I have seen, so I went in clueless and actually not too sure what to expect. The audience enters to theatre to a playlist which includes “Walking on Sunshine” and “9 to 5” – absolutely impeccable choices. The stage is scarce, with just two chairs and two suitcases as props.

We then meet Matt and Julian as they’re on the plane to Honolulu for a drama competition, accompanied by students. The audience participation starts early, whilst Julian is completing the register no less, and continues steadily throughout. As someone who dreads being picked on, I found that the participation in Stranded was actually rather tame and really enjoyable, helped by the fact the theatre is tiny. The audience got to choose where improvised scenes took place and the relationship between the characters – the bakers were my particular favourite, especially when they decided to end their baked goods related feud and rekindle their relationship. 

Tom and Liam are undoubtedly two very talented and hilarious performers. The scripted stuff was funny enough, but the improvisation was next level. The way they got a command from the audience and were easily able to turn it into a short sketch was brilliant to watch. Even more impressive when they had to change what they were saying when a bell was pressed; their ability to think up genuinely hilarious content on the spot is amazing and a sign of great talent.

The show begins to draw to a close when we meet the lost pilot of the plane, who has gone feral after three months of isolation. He engages in some improv with Matt and is normal again – the miracle that is comedy! We then travel a year into the future, where the pilot now works in the school and Julian has found himself in HMP Belmarsh, deranged and deluded. For a fifty minute show, a lot was packed in and it was truly one of the funniest shows I have seen this year. I love shows that at times are just downright ludicrous, and Stranded certainly scratched that itch for me.

Something to note is that there are no content warnings. Due to the show being heavily improvised, it is near impossible to provide warnings. However, there are assurances that Tom and Liam will avoid using material that could offend.

Stranded is a show to watch if you want a good laugh. Nothing deep, nothing much to think about but instead lots of silliness, lots of impressive improvisations and even more laughs along the way.

At the Rosemary Branch Theatre until 18th August 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★