Steph Darcey’s political satire crams a lot in an hour and feels aptly timed to be performed.
It would be fair to say that British politics has caused quite a turmoil over the last few years, which is why Steph Darcey’s lively and quirky approach (which makes plenty of great points) feels timely and refreshing to watch unfold.
Her debut solo show tells the story of AMEXA, the robot politician as she tries to navigate her way through British politics, through sleazy scandals and typical stereotypical speeches and other behaviour designed to win over the general public. As well as taking aim at out of touch politicians and the changing approach to democracy, the show also highlights what could potentially happen in politics with the rise of AI technology – to hilarious effect.
Running at just an hour long, this fast-paced comical satire provides a real opportunity to laugh and yes despair at the state of British politics. Darcey provides sharp wit throughout, with her performance as AMEXA providing slight hints at certain recent female leaders – but it can in places rely on the same joke slightly too much to move the story forward onto the next point.
This being said, each of the characters that Darcey brings to life are all vibrant and distinctive, her transition between them all coming across as seamless from start to finish.
The way in which she not only draws the audience in but uses them to advantage, whether it is sitting amongst them as AMEXA makes a speech about the environment or engaging them as if they are voters who she is trying to impress. Elements such as this keep the audience on their toes as well as thoroughly engaged.
The use of AMEXA aka the politician robot is extremely interesting thing to do – as it highlights just how stale and flat politicians can come across, leaving me wondering would we really notice if a robot politician was in charge? The moments in which she malfunctions brilliantly or tries to eat and drink normally are brilliantly executed by Darcey’s sharp and focused movement that adds to the hilarity.
Fast-paced and well thought out, Prototype is exactly to political satire that we need at the moment. It is quirky, witty and filled with plenty of jokes that many in the audience will certainly appreciate – a show with a bright future overall.
By Emma Clarendon
Prototype continues to play as part of the Camden Fringe at the Old Red Lion Theatre until the 16th August, before performing at the Museum of Comedy on the 18th August.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐