The Mischief theatre company, known for its uproarious Goes Wrong series, has turned its comedic lens to ancient Greece with its first musical, Thespians. This production, currently playing at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, imagines the origins of acting through the story of Thespis, the legendary father of tragedy. Co-writers Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders weave a tale of ego, rivalry, and creative fervour that feels remarkably contemporary.
Plot and Premise
The musical follows Thespis (James Spence) on the drought-stricken island of Ikaria. He embarks on a journey to Athens, where he competes in a Eurovision-style prayer competition under a merciless tyrant (Rhys Taylor). Along the way, he and his friends inadvertently invent acting, complete with hammy performances and over-analysed motivations. The show cheekily suggests that little has changed in theatre over the centuries.
Musical Highlights
Sayer and Zanders incorporate familiar musical theatre tropes, from the “I want” song to the 11 o’clock number. Standout numbers include Old Man Tango, a spoof of Kander and Ebb featuring a geriatric chorus line prone to back pain. The score, led by Ben Smith’s band, nods to Sondheim rather than schmaltzy pop, fitting the show’s subtitle: Greece the Musical (But Not That One).
Cast and Performances
James Spence portrays Thespis as a charismatic figure quickly intoxicated by fame. Luke Latchman’s Atlas admires him from afar, while Marc Pickering’s Adonis hides apples under his skirt, embodying the dim-witted archetype Sayer often plays. Claire-Marie Hall’s Poly, Thespis’s sister, earns cheers, and Rhys Taylor’s Tyrant is deliciously villainous in outlandish costumes. Mia Jerome’s soothsayer Melampus delivers prophecies plagued by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, a nod to Something Rotten!
Direction and Design
Robyn Grant directs with a panto-esque flair, while Jasmine Swan’s off-kilter columns and costumes add visual charm. Melody Sinclair-Marsh’s choreography could benefit from zippier physical set pieces, but the heart of the show lies in its message: acting teaches empathy. The production is a sweetly affecting paean to companionship, both on stage and off.
Thespians tours until 18 July. A delightful mix of groan-worthy puns and genuine warmth, it’s a testament to the enduring power of theatre.
