11 January 2025 I 18:45 I Lincoln Arts Centre
PR - Invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Presented by the University of Lincoln's Drama Society, Ken Ludwig's thrilling play The Game's Afoot roars onto the Lincoln stage with side-splitting wordplay and physical comedy, adhering to the farcical demands of an enthusiastic, energised cast. Plucking the snowed-in mansion trope from The Mousetrap, to the show-within-a-show mayhem from Noises Off, this lesser-known murder mystery succeeds in, what I can only call a faultless production. Enhancing every ounce of comedy from Ludwig's script, I found my cheeks hurting from laughter!
The Game's Afoot, as explained in the play, is taken from Shakespeare's Henry V, in which subtle nods to the writer including a music playing skull honour the title's origins. Opening with a performance of Sherlock Holmes, the show simply exudes theatricality, a treat for theatre enthusiasts! Taking place at the Palace Theatre, both an attempted and fatal murder occur, with actor William Gillette taking a bullet to the arm. Assuming the role of Holmes, William invites his colleagues for a Christmas celebration inside his newly furnished 1930s mansion. In a new age for technology, the building surfaces as the perfect trap for a killer...
Starring as William, Elliot Bigden launches into the production with a terrific melodrama, a perfectly heightened character which is sustained across the two-hour run time. He sets the tone impeccably, with such a bold, assured projection and enunciation to his material. In a sea of organised chaos, Bigden is always present whether assuming the spotlight or not, and it is a delight to see his gentlemanly composure become dishevelled in horror.
In joining him, Seb Goold's Felix is hysterically charming, a dynamic duo! Goold knows exactly what he is doing with his audience, with nothing more than a cheeky glance in our direction to result in copious levels of laughter. His physical comedy alongside a dead body is inspiringly amplified, lending himself to fabulous slapstick performance. A terrific evening for the pair, whom I look forward to seeing more of in the future!
Student productions are known to run on tight budgets, and I am really impressed with the backstage crew's attention to detail, from a weapons wall to malfunctioning closets, the space is alive and allows the comedy to breathe. Simple lighting tricks work like magic amongst an atmospheric thunderstorm. Even as a séance attempts to disturb the party, there are many visually memorable states.
During interval chatter, it is clear that Portia, the Gillette's dog, steals the show!! Handled by a professional, Tee Connell controls a small hand puppet, bounding across the stage with positively manic spirit. From sassy clicks to disappointed head shaking, they deliver an almost wordless role with immense comedic ability!
From one theatre reviewer to the next, Phoebe Chalkley holds such a quick wit through her Daria. Her entrance is heavily anticipated as a wickedly pompous lady, satisfying the build-up with a well-considered characterisation, utilising posture and exaggerated hand movement to remain theatrically likeable despite Daria's reputation. And her end of Act One is marvellous! Us theatre reviewers aren't all that bad!
Make no mistake that this ten-person cast provides such an extraordinary drive. To rehearse this alongside so many other University commitments, and showcasing an extremely refined work with astutely well-studied language, this is a production that I shall fondly remember for a long time. I want to find a script and relive it all!
With direction from my very talented third year peers Josh Brown and Charlie Newcombe, I am beyond proud of how they have conducted the script, presenting a brilliant farce that knows no bounds. Following my not-so glowing review of Cluedo 2 last year, the murder mystery has been revived, and keeps you guessing up until the last minute! Watson, we have a hit!
Thank you once more to the University of Lincoln Drama Society for providing a complimentary ticket and programme! It has been a delight to attend! If you missed The Game's Afoot, be sure to catch Hamlet on the 15th March 2025. Keep up to date with their latest work here:
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