Discover what critics have had to say about the London run of the parody based on the classic 1990’s film Jurassic Park.
The Guardian: *** “As on screen, the dinosaurs steal the show, rendered here with brilliant physical comedy. It takes two actors’ combined bodies to portray one of them; other species simply require wearing a cycle helmet and a traffic cone. If the audience participation could be more raucous, there’s some festive fun with the beasts’ jingle-bell roars to each other. It’s likely to be the only Christmas production where “it’s behind you!” refers to a voracious velociraptor.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** “Jack Baldwin and Laurence Pears are excellent, throwing jokes back and forth between each other with great comic timing. They’re able to pull out a whole series of fully fleshed characters in an instant and with just a handful of props. Baldwin’s Jeff Goldblum impression is particularly brilliant, and Pears makes (amongst other things!) a brilliant T-Rex.”
All That Dazzles: **** “The best kind of silliness you can see in theatre, it gives you one of the most enjoyable experiences you are likely to see this side of Christmas without shouting “He’s behind you” (though if a Tyrannosaurus Rex IS behind you, you’d probably want a heads up). While the film questions whether Jurassic Park should be allowed to remain open, there is no such debate with Hold On To Your Butts – this is a show that should never go extinct.”
Time Out: *** ” If you’re looking for throwaway fun packed with humour and ingenuity, you’ll find it here – only you should be prepared for a preparatory re-watch of Steven Spielberg’s pre-historic action-adventure film to get the most out of the show. Otherwise its torrent of knowing references and gags will land about as convincingly as the fantasy science behind the original movie.”
Beyond the Curtain.co.uk: ” The sound accompaniment is a key feature of this parody, playfully arranged by Kelsey Didion and performed by Charlie Ives who, situated up stage right, gave the exact amount of stage presence needed without distracting from the action.”
A Young (ish) Perspective: *** “The true star of the show is Foley artist Charlie Ives. With incredible skill and impeccable comic timing, she uses her voice and a plethora of household objects to realistically – well, sometimes less realistically, like when she offsets her immense vocal skill with a flat, spoken ‘roar!…in the distance’ – recreate Jurassic Park’s sonic soundscape, and of course, iconic soundtrack, with the help of kazoos.”
London Theatre 1: **** “The comic timing is pretty good throughout, and if I looked unamused at certain points during the show, that had more to do with a patron almost incessantly kicking from the row behind than anything else. That, of course, is hardly the production’s fault. An imaginative and slick show that successfully condenses down, in more ways than one, a blockbuster movie into a studio theatre, it’s highly enjoyable stuff.”
Broadway World: ***** “Hold On To Your Butts is a brilliant and loving parody of Jurassic Park that is a fantastic show for not only fans of the original film but for anyone looking for a laugh this winter. A famous quote from the film is, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Thank goodness Recent Cutbacks didn’t stop to think if they should either!”
Fairy Powered Productions: **** ” Even though they are so silly, the production still manages to include some jump scares between the laughs. Charley Ives’ skill on the Foley desk is incredible, and sometimes it is hard to tell who is having more fun – the cast or the audience. This playful prehistoric parody is a delight.”
The Stage: *** “High-energy, gleefully lo-fi reimagining of Spielberg’s Jurassic Park is theatrically smart, if insubstantial.”
West End Best Friend: **** “Hold On To Your Butts is perfect for dinosaur fans of all ages looking for a great laugh with technically skilled performers and an excellent use of sound.”
The Spy in the Stalls: **** “This is the perfect night for anyone who’s ever seen a stack of cone party hats and thought – three of them, artfully placed – there’s my triceratops!”
Theatre & Tonic: *** “Ultimately, Hold on to Your Butts is not just a parody; it is a showcase of exceptional acting, creativity, and comedic genius. The performers exceed expectations with their astonishing talent and leave a lasting impression. From its uproarious humour to its dynamic delivery, the show encapsulates everything that makes live theatre so thrilling. It’s an electrifying, wildly entertaining spectacle that captures the essence of Jurassic Park while transforming it into something entirely fresh and hilarious.”
Hold Onto Your Butts continues to play at the Arcola Theatre until the 11th January 2025 before embarking on a UK tour.