Show: Simon Says
Location: Black-E, Liverpool
Date: Saturday October 16 2021
Time: 20.00
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Arthur Noah, Adan Osborne, Rory Gillan, Anastasia Kulaeva & Mary Shanker
Production Company: All Day Breakfast Theatre
Writer: Rory Gillan
This is our theatre review for Simon Says at Black-E in Liverpool. So, let’s take a look at Simon Says!
Simon Says
Background
This show comes from the incredible mind of Him. The religious leader. Saviour. God. Let him show you the joy that he can bring to your lives. And this comes as we follow four ungrateful followers through a parable of hubris, discontent and ingratitude. So, after tiring of his not-so-lavish lifestyle, 458 rebels against Him. Realising there’s strength in numbers, he attempts to convince fellow believers 457, 460 and 461 to join him. But because of their blind loyalty, apathy and stupidity, he can’t get everybody on the same page. Meanwhile, they receive reminders of everything He has done for them and how He saved them.
So, might they be worse off if they leave Him behind? And therefore will they succeed in their impetuous tantrum? Or will they remember that Simon is the world, and the world is Simon? This is a comedy combining depth with frivolity to have audiences laughing, rejoicing and shouting out “I love you, Simon”. And the show returns to its home city of Liverpool after a sell-out run at the Greater Manchester Fringe. Furthermore, the show is coming off two award triumphs at the recent Liverpool Fringe Awards. So, make sure to see a production that has awards to its name and entertainment as its aim!
Analysis
The main word I would use to describe this show is “authentic”. Indeed, it’s not just a show about a cult following; it’s essentially a cult following’s show. We would be greeted with an S painting on the wrist along with live phone conversations prior to the performance beginning. And at first, it’s all smiles and sunshine, with the very enthusiastic cast championing Simon to the nth degree. But quickly the cracks appear, and it’s Adam/458 that chooses to take a stand. It takes some time to convince 461/Dick and 460/Dove, with 457/Niamh being the toughest nut to crack. All this while Simon goes about his business with awareness of the meddling, but with confidence that their efforts will fall short. Or do they?
The show is more serious than I expected, but there are definitely humorous moments. Some of these come with the small biting comments by Simon to his infatuated followers as they help him. There’s also the surreal nature of cultists and how brainwashed people can be, especially those with nothing to fall back on. Mostly, though, I was impressed with the performers themselves. Rory Gillan (Simon), Adan Osborne (Adam), Arthur Noah (Dick), Mary Shanker (Niamh) and Anastasia Kualeva (Dove) are all incredibly dedicated to their roles here, as well as being very versatile by covering comedy, drama, song and dance all within one hour. In particular, Mary does a terrific job of defending Simon at every turn and having us, the audience, believe that she really is emotionally absorbed in Him.
Summary
As a recent award-winning show, this production is likely to perform before many other audiences in the months to come. For attendees yet to see this, they’re in for an experience unlike any other with some truly surreal moments. But above all else, it does a fine job of demonstrating the power of a cult leader upon its followers. The question is, will you become a follower of Simon by the time the show comes to an end?
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Frequent Strong Language, Infrequent Violence
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8/10 – Very Good
Simon Says Further Link
Simon Says has an exclusive website for you to check out.
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