HELP! WE ARE STILL ALIVE!
Seven Dials Playhouse
5th Sept to 15th Oct 2022
“Jass and Finn have survived the apocalypse – but can their relationship take the strain? What do you do when the last person on earth no longer floats your boat?
From the team who brought you the smash-hit Anyone Can Whistle, Help! We Are Still Alive is a hilarious, gig-style queer, comedy musical about keeping the romance alive when everything else is dead as a doornail.It’s 28 Days Later meets When Harry Met Sally with catchy and heart-breaking songs.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 2 Stars
The songs in the show are quite lovely and the 2 members in the cast are quite wonderful. However the story doesn’t really progress or go anywhere. There’s an attempted proposal which is rejected, there’s the possibility that maybe a group of people who have left 7 beds will return in 10 days. There’s a song about a pineapple and a pet lizard but really the 90 minute show feels stuck in the opening scene.
Set on a central square block which has maps, film flyers and newspaper coverings shows the design is struggling to create anything meaningful. The lighting and sound are subtle and tasteful – a little more drama in the show might have allowed the technical to offer something more apocalyptically exciting.
It’s always going to be a strange performance when the audience is comprised of reviewers, production team and young friends. Laughing out loudly at every word uttered with a hint of comedy is not a natural audience response and although well meaning, such friends are very obtrusive. I think I’d like to see this show again with an audience who chose to be there rather than invited friends who act like they’re high on amphetamimes.
Link to the online programme: https://www.greyareatheatre.co.uk/hwasa
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
Creative Team
Director Georgie Rankcom OFFIE nominated for their blazing (The Guardian) revival of Anyone Can Whistle at Southwark Playhouse
Book Imogen Palmer Music & Lyrics Tim Gilvin
Musical Director Benjamin McQuigg Set and Costume Designer Lu HerbertLighting Designer Lucía Sánchez RoldánSound Designer Simon Arrowsmith Stage Manager Imogen Brown