Alison Hunt discovers the world of insurance and burglary really shouldn’t mix in Octopus Soup...
OUR VERDICT
Seymour Norse (Nick Hancock) is a risk-averse insurance consultant – so safe that he wears two belts at all times. He is about to receive a call from Virginia Whale (Gillian Bevan) CEO of the ‘biggest insurance company in the world’ during which he has 20 minutes to pitch an idea that could save the company. He’s even pressed his trousers in preparation.
Unfortunately, hapless burglar, Marvin Haynes (Paul Bradley) has decided this is also the perfect time to break in to Seymour’s house, not realising someone is at home…
Having experienced their own fair share of disastrous pitches, writers Jack Milner and Mark Stevenson discussed what the worst things that could happen during a presentation could be, with ‘being burgled, beaten and tied up’ coming high on the list.
You can imagine where this is going – poor Seymour struggles with the ignominy of being threatened and tied to a chair with his own belts while trying to explain his idea to Virginia on a video call which unsurprisingly doesn't go well.
However, hapless burglar Marvin turns out not to be quite as hapless as we first thought. With a dastardly scam to combine both his and Seymour’s professions he could definitely make them both rich –he just needs Virginia to agree.
With Hancock and Bradley bouncing off each other as an amusing double act, Carolyn Backhouse, as Seymour’s overwrought actress wife, adds another layer of confusion to the situation.
Act Two sees Virginia Whale invited to the ‘bungalow’ for dinner to discuss the idea, with Bradley’s hard man ‘Underworld Boss’ Alan (Eric Richard) being accidentally invited too. More confusion ensues. And of course, last but not least, we meet Terry, Bradley’s sensitive pet octopus.
Octopus Soup boasts a brilliant line up – all of the cast members are excellent, making the very best of the material and showing a surprising amount of agility to boot. The set is also interestingly designed, featuring a home office/dining room as well as a large TV screen effectively used for video conferences and CCTV.
Unfortunately, despite being billed as the ‘World Premiere of a Brand-New British Farce’ it seems to miss many perfect farcical opportunities, underutilising its accomplished cast and meaning the ‘laugh out loud’ moments are few and far between.
Nonetheless, I’d still recommend Octopus Soup – it is good fun and an enjoyable night out.
Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Dates: 1 May – 4 May 2019
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