Popcorn - Early Doors Productions Review

Reviewed by Alice

Ben Elton's 'Popcorn' based on his book of the same name, is rarely performed nowadays, yet after seeing this production, I'm not too sure why not? I must confess, I have never seen any version of this play nor read the book, but have heard a lot about its content and political messages. Now having seen it, I'd be very keen for more companies to attempt this very funny show.

Ingatestone Hall, a grand Tudor Manor House was the setting for Early Doors' Production. Whilst walking (in the dark) down the long bridalway to the entrance, I started to question if this was going to be correct setting for a 1997 Hollywood mansion, with styles inspired by films such as 'Natural Born Killers' and 'Pulp Fiction', but any fears were settled when you came face to face with the FOH team. Dressed as theatre techies, our first with a thick Irish accent handing out clipped instruction and casual abuse, as if orchestrating the first hangers-on into the impending Oscar's ceremony, complete with an Oscar's billboard, rope cordon and a yet to be laid red carpet. Loved it.

The acting space was in stark contrast to the FOH area, with wood panelling, solid wood doors, and family portraits. Scattered on the set were previous movie posters of the work of Bruce Delamitri, the soon to be Oscar winning director of violent films. How wonderful to have a space where the 'set' is so real?

The play asks in essence, do violent movies create a violent society? Can minds be corrupted by images and ideas presented in films? And these questions are posed by a bunch of larger than life (almost cartoonish at times) characters. As the play moves along, we are offered snatches of realism which makes you fear, warm to, like, and/or hate particular people. It is a really interesting swing. I'd guess this was the directors choice, and if so, brilliant.

We are introduced to Bruce Delamitri by another techie telling us the play (or film scene) is about to the start. This is pre the Oscars ceremony and Bruce Delamitri, played by Justin Cartledge and his producer, Karl, performed by Neil Gray, are discussing which clip from his ultra violent movie can be shown at the event.

Whilst Bruce's daughter Velvet, played by Sapphire Hagon, chips in the occasional sarcastic retort. Some great early laughs, discussing whether a vagina can have a point of view? If a more violent clip will speak louder to the Academy? 'It's gotta have balls!' Then they are pushed further when Amy Clayton, who played Farrah Delamitri - Bruce's soon-to-be ex-wife, arrives...

As we move along, we meet the antagonists: Wayne and Scout, The Mall Murderers, ('inspired' by Bruce's movies and currently on a genuine killing rampage). These two treats are played by Ben Martins and Jen Bell. Loud and brash, rude and crude. Psycho's in their element. What's not to love??
There is a Holy Trinity in 'Popcorn': Wayne, Scout and Bruce. These are the leads. Intertwined throughout the whole play, they each take it in turns to pull their case to be the leading role, but I can't see how any argument can be made against it being the perfect three-hander.

The final main character we get to know is Brooke Daniels, the nude model (and wannabe actress), looking to get a part in one of Delamitri's films. Louise MacNorman is wonderful in her role here. By the second act, she adds grunts or the odd scoff with comedic brilliance. (This is because Wayne has shot her halfway through act two. Spoiler!) Louise was great fun. Her striptease, especially with the limp due to only wearing one high heel, was very funny, sexy and brave! 
Neil Gray as Karl the Producer, had a nice stage presence. Especially at the end of act one, unknowingly spelling out his own doom...

Amy Clayton not only played Farrah Delamitri wonderfully, grabbing every inch of comedy available, but also directed the piece. In a setting where sound and lighting effects are obviously limited, she showed how none of that is needed with an exceptionally well-oiled team. The stage area is very small, and the setting in the main was obviously choreographed exceptionally well, with great touches in the background keeping everything energised.

Ben Martins was menacing and yet full of charisma as Wayne Hudson. A very dominating figure on the stage and extremely believable. 

Justin Cartledge as Bruce Delamitri, the overly-zealous slave to his craft, with sleazeball tendancies was a dream. As the play moves along, his character moves into a protective father naturally and very realistically, given the circumstances. The dialogue is rapid and not easy to pull off at speed to still be understood but Justin does this expertly and with ease. Some lovely facial ticks throughout, again grabbing laughs galore.
Jen Bell was truly bonkers as Scout. Stealing things in the background, always being an unpredictable threat, and in one scene with Louise MacNorman's Brooke, you did actually feel some pity for this character. I can't say anyone stole this show, but Jen Bell certainly came close.

Sapphire Hagon's character had sparks throughout the piece. Chipping in with spoilt brat comments and a few mature ad-libs. Definitely a young actress to watch out for in the future. 
The techies being played by Richard Orchard-Rowe and Julie Salter (who also later in the show became camera and sound operators, dressed only in their underwear), were really fun. And, like all the cast in this heavy dialogued script, when not talking were acting throughout. Looking bored at the situation, chatting in mime to one another about sound levels, etc. 

The whole cast of 'Popcorn' had moments to shine. This is testament to Ben Elton's writing but also the direction, and having actors who are good enough to know that, even without lines you should still be acting/reacting.

'Popcorn' does ask some very interesting questions. We live in a time where social media is always at the forefront and often not censored. Do these platforms which are often unregulated, cause any damage and desensitise minds? To ask these questions in such a terrific black comedy, is a genius way to open up the debate.

My negatives for the show were few. Projection at times from one actress. This is a pet peev of mine, as actors should know how to reach the back of a room. Sapphire at times was a little lost with this, but she has plenty of time to develop and improve. I think I'd have preferred for Bruce Delamitri to have had his sunglasses off a little more in the opening scene as he has great eyes for comedy. He looses the sunglasses in the second scene, and his expressions then really came to life. The stage is very compact and on occasions, an actor would vere from view. Sometimes this was deliberate, but not always.

A couple of sound effects went wrong, or more, they were played when they shouldn't have been.
But these things are truly minor.

I was in with a great audience who went with every laugh and that helps so much with these types of shows.
A truly strong cast, and very well directed.
A solid 4/5 show.