Beach Comet’s latest show invites audiences on board for one of the wackiest cruises you will ever be part of – even if at times it leaves you all at sea.
There is no doubting about it that this is the most hyperactive and bizarre comedy that I have seen this year.
Set on Blues Cruise (trip number 666 in case you were wondering), Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair sees the unhinged and neurotic Captain Bleufonde determined to resurrect his dead girlfriend Mandy by sailing into an Apocalyptic storm with his passengers in tow, while his extremely camp and loyal First Mate Fittles tries to keep his captain as sane as possible (with virtually no success).
This over the top and flamboyant hour long show is entertaining to an extent, with great use of word play and the fantastic energy of all the cast, who really throw themselves into their roles.
Yet it felt as though at times it got too carried away and sailed too close to the wind in terms of cramming a lot of songs and jokes into a space of an hour that it begins to lose momentum towards the end.
But the show is at its strongest when there is plenty of character interaction, particularly between First Mate Fittles and Captain Bleufonde – with one being as adoring as possible, while the other sharp and sarcastic that you can’t help but wonder why Fittles is so loyal.
The entire show is completely mad and the audience is never fully sure of where it is going, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing – none of which I’m going to spoil here so if you do fancy seeing it – it really is best that you go unprepared to make the most of it.
What comes through is a company that is sharp and talented – but needs stronger material to make it work better.
Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair was enjoyed by those sitting around me, but I couldn’t help but feel that it is just lacking slightly in finesse that made it difficult for me to warm to. But it did show the potential of Beach Comet and the work that they are aiming to create.
Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair is playing at the Arts Theatre until the 29th October. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://artstheatrewestend.co.uk/whats-on/apocalypse-cruise-ship-love-affair/
Rating: ❤❤❤