In London just in time for the Eurovision Song Contest, find out what critics have been making of Martin Blackburn’s comedy with our review round up.
Broadway World: *** “Kane Verrall has a lot of fun with Josh, the man who can construct whole sentences out of Eurovision song titles down the years. He really drives the uproarious opening half-hour or so, but we’re also catching a touch of tragedy looming.”
All That Dazzles: **** “Deeper than just the story of a Eurovision party, Nul Points explores the complexities of a friendship group and how life and growth can change the dynamic within it. The authenticity in which this was played out throughout the decade made it all the more captivating to watch.”
The Stage: *** “Frenetic and topical Eurovision comedy that requires better pacing to bring out the darker tones in the script.”
Theatre & Tonic: *** “All in all, Nul Points was a good time, I think maybe it didn’t need to be a 2-hour show as I said previously a few jokes did become cliche and recycled but for any fan of Eurovision this is a must-see. The innuendos and puns relating to the show were well-written and the cast was joyous to watch.”
Lost in Theatreland: *** “It’s not quite Douze Points for Nul Points! then, but it is moving nevertheless. Anyone who has been to a Eurovision party will recognise the dynamic between the obsessives and the naysayers, and the density of Eurojokes will keep you on your toes even whilst you are caught up in the friends’ lives. Nul Points! is not merely a Eurocomedy – it definitely has a lot to say. It’s just a shame that it gets a little lost along the way.”
London Theatre1: *** “Overall though, Nul Points! is fun. It’s not going to set the world on fire, but it is an entertaining and very amusing show with a lot more layers than appears at first site. I really bonded with some of the characters in the second act and actually felt quite emotional at the end. It’s not Brotherhood of Man (1976) and it’s definitely not Jemini (2003). I’m going to say it’s Nicki French (2000), and just as enjoyable.”
The Reviews Hub: ** “Blackburn’s two Act play is though incredibly witty, savagely so at times with jokes about Lindsay Lohan and Princess Diana inducing a few gasps. The play is full of innuendo which lands well while the character of Josh’s mother, Gina (Adèle Anderson), is hilariously blunt if a little cliched. Some of that early energy fades in William Spencer’s production, the laughs further apart as the story gets lost in its character dramas about long-held grudges.”
Nul Points! Continues to play at the Union Theatre until the 20th May.