Buffy ReVamped - Review

Reviewed by Beth at Derby Theatre

Hunting demons, slaying vampires and scariest of all, facing the trials and tribulations of teen life in high school. Buffy the Vampire Slayer has become a modern cult classic and is adored by so many, so when comedian Brendan Murphy decided to take on the challenge of retelling ALL 144 episodes in just 90-minutes, I knew that this was something I HAD to see for myself. What followed was a love letter to Buffy and a theatre experience unlike any other.

I went into this show as a pretty much Buffy novice, but with a super fan of a best friend which meant we were able to really compare the impact of this show from multiple perspectives. It became clear instantly that this show would suit Buffy beginners or experts alike. From the moment Murphy entered the stage as Spike, our show’s narrator, the entire audience was hooked. His immediate electric stage presence grabbed the attention of every audience member and this continued through the entirety of the show. 

Spike asked the audience to name the year, and then proceeded to read the prophecy that it seems has certainly come true. From that moment, he had the audience in the palm of his hand. In the show, Spike first introduced the key characters in the show, using props cleverly as well as a killer combination of facial expressions, voice editing and physical comedy to portray key figures. His portrayal of Angel was a particular favourite! As Spike, he then summarises the entirety of Season 1 in a single minute. 

As the show progresses, he retells all seven series through the mediums of song, poetry and spoken word, never letting his style become repetitive or predictable. Murphy constantly commands the stage, and the plethora of Buffy Easter eggs and 90’s references are enticing. The playlist to the show features 90’s banger after banger and every inch of the stage is purposeful and well-used. But be prepared- there are moments of audience interaction that I won’t spoil but made me think yes, my people are here!

Brendan Murphy has already reached success with his one-person retelling of Friends, for which he won Best Play at the Worldwide Comedy Awards. Buffy ReVamped is also winning awards and I have no doubt that this success will continue. For one person to command an audience so entirely, this will certainly not be the last we hear of Brendan Murphy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buffy ReVamped is on a tour of the UK following Edinburgh Fringe success, international performances and a Christmas season in Toronto. Tickets are available from https://buffyrevamped.co.uk/