My major problem with online theatre is that it lacks professionalism and good quality, therefore it usually feels forced and unnecessary. This is, however, not the case of Until the Ad Break.
Although it still features the so familiar, static scenery of Zoom performance, it is nevertheless dynamic and professional, with good quality of both sound and. Until the Ad Break proves, moreover, that the good text will always entertain the audience regardless.
Until the Ad Break, an adapted performance from the original comedy play 21 Minutes, created by Maverick Charles Productions and sold out in Manchester 2018 is an absurd comedy, so it needs to be mentioned that it won’t entertain everyone. The humour of the abstract live show featuring absolutely and deliberately random reportages, guest appearances, footages of the audience and, of course, the conversations in between spots should be appreciated nevertheless. It flows quickly and smoothly and doesn’t allow the audience to lose interest for a single second.
In one word, Maverick Charles Productions do all they can to make the online theatre as dynamic and entertaining as possible. It is enabled not by the original text but also, by the exaggerated, overdrawn acting, necessary within the circumstances of online theatre. Unfortunately, when the actors can’t approach the audience and instead, have to reach out to them through the screen, they need to try a bit harder. The actors’ quartet from Maverick Charles Productions is doing a good job, though.
What is the most striking about this absurd comedy, however, is the fact that, within this bizarre reality that we are currently experiencing, it feels painfully accurate anyway. A recurring question, ‘The world isn’t ending, right?’, that at times turns into an ascertainment could not ever become so relatable. The absurd humour of Until the Ad Break articulates the absurd of our modern reality and essentially, undermines the sense of everything that we do. Including the show itself and perhaps, this review as well.
Sounds dark but I promise that Until the Ad Break is actually entertaining. Watch this absurd comedy to distract yourselves from all the other absurdities around.
