So this weekend I once again breached the weekend culture rule and invested in an evening of comedy courtesy of the Comedians Cinema Club to see a reenactment of Ridley Scott's Oscar winning film....Gladiator.
Set in the basement of Aces and Eights in Tufnell Park, the intimate venue has played host to various interpretations of classic films from Ghost to Edward Scissorhands. Even Pretty Woman and Titanic have not escaped the clutches of the Comedians Cinema Club.
Hands up I can't take credit for finding out about these guys sadly! That would be down to my sister who was fortunate to see Ghost last year and who was eager to return again. What better reason to go again and see hell unleashed for Gladiator.
The evening was hosted by comedian Eric Lampaert, who was joined on stage for this adaption of Gladiator with fellow comedians Will Seaward, Matthew Highton, Simon Feilder and Dan Schreiber. Now that's quite a small cast for an epic film. Problem solved, the audience can step in and fill those minor roles. Those who are stage shy may wish to position themselves at the back or wedge themselves between friends. However; my sister who would never get up on stage or get involved in any form of immersive theatre ended up taking part in Ghost, so shyness or stage fear really isn't an excuse to stop you taking a turn on the stage.
To warm us up ahead of delving into the world of gladiators and ancient Rome, each comedian took his turn on stage to do a short skit. Everyone was great, but Dan Schreiber discussing Harry Potter and the Big Funnel and Will Seaward's re-imagining of films were particularly enjoyable. I'll never look at the film Jaws in the same way again. Or should I say Doors?
Now suitably warmed up the action began and immediately we were in Germany receiving a rousing speech from a very Australian Maximus ahead of an epic battle. Once the battle is complete Maximus hopes to return home to his beloved decking, I mean his wife and son, but a series of events takes him on a different path which leads to him becoming a gladiator and five fights. If you are looking for a word for word faithful adaption of the film you won't get that, but that's the charm of the show. You couldn't help, but snigger and cringe at the incestuous scenes between Commodus and Lucilla and Eric Lampaert's lion prancing around in boxers still sets me off in giggles.
Were we not ENTERTAINED? Why of course! I don't think I've laughed so much in quite some time and having been ill for most of the week (always when I'm on holiday) it definitely perked me up and made my Wednesday evening. You have to give all comedians credit for their energy and enthusiasm and with next to nothing props they excelled in bringing the film to life - CGI isn't everything you know.
With Brokeback Mountain, E.T and the Sixth Sense next on the list to receive the Comedians Cinema Club treatment, you can guess where I'll be spending the last Wednesday of every month.
Visit www.comedianscinemaclub.com for more information about upcoming performances.
With Brokeback Mountain, E.T and the Sixth Sense next on the list to receive the Comedians Cinema Club treatment, you can guess where I'll be spending the last Wednesday of every month.
Visit www.comedianscinemaclub.com for more information about upcoming performances.
