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UNSEEN ACADEMICALS
Unseen Theatre Company
Bakehouse Theatre
Until 21 Apr 2010

Review by Tony Busch

There’s a crowd outside the Bakehouse Theatre. Instead of an orderly queue, it’s a throng. A mob. A shove. Which somehow seem appropriate for an audience waiting (impatiently) to see Unseen Theatre Company’s presentation of Terry Pratchett’s 37th novel “Unseen Academicals.”

This isn’t the author’s or the ensemble’s best work. Nevertheless, this is a laugh-out-loud (in places) show about football and the fans that religiously follow the game. The script adaptation and the audience’s affection for the well known characters (and a few new ones) ensure that the performance is successful.

Recreating Discworld in the confines of the Bakehouse’s limited space is a contest that Director, Pamela Munt wins - by making use of a combination of imagination, detailed props and much evocation - admirably. A semi-manoeuvrable set, together with insinuation by the cast, brings the city of AnkhMorpork alive. In this interesting space, the ensemble tells the story of the faculty of Unseen University being forced to choose between starvation (only three meals a day) and playing a game of football-the-ball. But football is dangerous and it never is just about football. The city’s tyrant, Lord Vetinari (Philip Lineton) wants to tame the game and uses the wizards to create new rules. It’s a game of two halves – with entertainment in the middle – and so is the play.

Sandwiched between the two acts is a fashion show of dwarf non-chafing chainmail. It may seem frivolous, but it works well in this sometimes humorous tale about love, loss and identity.

Trudi Pavlovsky has much presence as journalist (and chorus) Sacharrissa Cripslock. Her manner is so charming that when she fluffs her lines she breaks the fourth wall, winks at the audience and carries on regardless. She seems the ideal woman to play Juliet who is the Discs’ first supermodel. Samm Blackmore is pleasing as the night-cook, Glenda Sugarbean. Her serious yet romantic nature contrasts nicely with Amanda Flynn’s (Juliet) effervescent inexperience and buoyancy. Linton is once again good as Veterinari but what makes the production work is the quality of the supporting characters, the costumes and the loving recreation of Discworld by all involved.