Judas Exclusive takes us back in time to the days after Jesus’ crucifixion, transplanting a dying broadcast chat show into the biblical era. Judas takes to the small screen to repair his reputation, but the bigger story focuses on betrayal and ambition in a dying industry.
The audience is invited into the show, acting as the live audience of the fictional chat show. Beth Mull’s Simona is ready, willing, and very much able to both delight and prompt the audience with the reactions she needs as required.
Mull’s impeccable comedic timing makes the deliberately exasperating Simona a hoot to watch. She’s a leftover from a dying era, but she puts on a show nonetheless, with sparkle and a wide smile, even when faced with some less-than-glitzy predicaments.
Another deliciously unlikeable character is the smarmy Judas, played by Nick Alexander. While there are moments of empathy for him (a testament to Alexander’s on-stage charm), there’s a subtle undercurrent that something is not quite as it seems that plays out to great satisfaction.
Both characters are underpinned with fantastic comedic writing from Will McDowell, who also appears on stage as Peter. With knowing nods for those who know their Bible stories, Judas Exclusive incongruously (but effectively) ties together the greatest betrayal of all time with the back-stabbing world of show business.
The play keeps a fast pace throughout its assigned hour, acting as both a love letter to and a warning about broadcast TV. Both Mull and Alexander effortlessly rifle through an array of TV personality stereotypes, magnified through one of the most famous stories of all time: the betrayal of Judas.
Judas Exclusive delivers a satisfying narrative that had the entire audience ‘ooo’-ing in its final seconds. Balancing comedy and heart in equal measure, it’s not one to miss this Fringe.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
