The Argument, Spare the Rod Theatre Review
Written by Emily K-N for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Spare the Rod Theatre, formed by George Abbott and Alfie Lanham- Brown, “creates intimate, audience-driven experiences that challenge theatrical conventions and make hilarious jabs at modern society.” The latest offering from the duo is The Argument, described as an “entirely serious experiment in the potentialities of performer-audience exchange.”
Guided by ideas from the audience, a series of debates are facilitated by Abbott and Lanham-Brown. The first is largely led by them and, at this performance, topic suggestions from the audience included Lime Bikes, AI, cancel culture and the future of theatre. At the start of the second debate, the audience is encouraged to have initial discussions in small groups on the topic of AI, with the debate then opening up to a larger discussion. During the third debate we, as audience members, are left to facilitate it (quite literally, as the two actors freeze for around 5-10 minutes, letting us ‘argue’ amongst ourselves). Some people chip in, which is entertaining to listen to at times, but essentially, I found it quite an uncomfortable experience. It transpires that some audience members have more input in the show than others, which adds another layer to it. You’d have to experience it to know what I mean, but this does add a bit of drama.
The Argument has potential and certainly challenges theatrical conventions, but it just didn’t seem to land particularly well with the audience I was part of. The third debate in particular just felt a little awkward and might have been better if we had been guided a bit more.
For this show, every performance will be different. Different audiences will bring with them contrasting energy and ideas. So, if you want to let off some steam and interact with your fellow audience members, this show might just be for you.
At Barons Court Theatre until 12 April 2025
★★
