A play that very simply does what it says on the tin needs a wealth of talent to still satisfy an audience that knows what it’s getting. Thankfully, Amadan and Mortair Kill the King has talent in reams.
Following two well-meaning guards and their attempt to cover up the inopportune death of a hapless king, the play is the first foray into written work from Tartan Tabletop’s Alex Bathe and Josh Aitken. The same fantasy fuel translates across from their usual Dungeons & Dragons improv, but now parcelled up in a more traditional narrative.
Traditional it may be, relying on farcical comedic beats that are as old as time. Somehow, Amadan and Mortair Kill the King is still effortlessly refreshing and a joy to watch, thanks in no small part to the talent of the cast.
Abi Price as the King is a shining star in a stage full of them. You love to hate his irrepressibly toxic takes, a comically vile character who makes no apologies for his worst traits. Tom Whistom’s rogue demon is also a delight for every second that he’s on stage, while Alex Bathe and Niall Curran’s Amadan and Mortair give the play some well-needed heart throughout.
There’s no overly complex plot, no overarching lesson to be learned beyond what happens when muppets end up in positions of power. What it does do is keep you entertained, encourage you to care about even the silliest of characters, and wonder just how many bodacious babes one king can gather under his roof.
Underpinning it all is laugh-out-loud humour in every line, delivered with finesse and written with tight pacing that makes the hour fly by.
Fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons fans will undoubtedly love a play that feels like it could have come from a tabletop RPG session, but as a standalone play, Amadan and Mortair Kill the King delivers on a simple promise with expert comedic timing.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
