Overview: Insult To Damage, Lion and Unicorn Theatre

Overview: Insult To Damage, Lion and Unicorn Theatre

Lion and Unicorn Theatre don’t go for grand staging: the truth is typically they don’t go for any staging in any respect. So the 2 workplace desks and cabinets (with moderately funky LEDs) tonight really feel moderately decadent! However not a lot they danger distracting from what this excellent pub theatre in Kentish City does greatest; effectively written exhibits that as a rule shine a lightweight on darker components of society.

That darkness for Moonloaf‘s Insult to Damage is social media, and the abhorrent nature of the web trolling, abuse, misogyny and common unsavoury materials that appears to dominate it; not unsurprisingly when you think about that such clickbait is the actual money-spinner.

Set fully within the workplace of two senior workers, Kat and Ellis (splendidly portrayed by writers Grace Millie and Kieran Dee) are tasked with deciding the coverage of what ought to, or extra importantly shouldn’t, be allowed for an unnamed social media firm. The darkish humour begins early, Kat explaining she beforehand labored in integrity. Sounds admirable, besides it was at FIFA! The well-timed pause elicits loads of understanding laughter. Their robust job instantly turns into even harder, and really private, after they must resolve what to do a couple of put up from the Prime Minister which breaches their coverage on inciting violence. That call begins a cascade of occasions that culminates within the firm being taken over by Vos (performed with the utmost creepiness by Nick Hardie), a person solely focused on easy methods to monetise the organisation to its max, regardless of the penalties or harm.

There’s loads of understanding nods to actual occasions: for Prime Minister, trade American President, For Vos, effectively, let’s simply say House Karen, and for the best way Vos is available in all weapons blazing with the necessity to permit free speech, you solely want to have a look at Twitter and its decimation of these of its workers whose roles have been to make the positioning protected. It implies that as issues take a distinctly darkish flip, it’s simple to assume it’s not too far-fetched! The present actually ought to include a warning that “any similarities with actual life characters are fully intentional.”

Millie and Dee’s partnership really fizzes – unsurprising contemplating they’ve labored collectively as Moonloaf for numerous years now. The pair bounce off one another with the grace of synchronised swimmers. And as if that isn’t sufficient to maintain you entertained, a moderately weird dance from the pair with Dee dressed because the youngster catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is probably my favorite 30 seconds of theatre this yr!

Harriet Marsh’s route additionally permits for all the things to stream alongside properly, giving us quick snappy scenes that transfer easily from Kat’s first day by means of weeks and months because the working relationship of Kat and Ellis grows stronger. Her scene transitions are particularly neat and tidy, assisted by good sound (often from Jamie Roome, however on this efficiency Eden Harbud, who for a final minute alternative didn’t miss a beat).

Making a present about social media does include numerous dangers. It’s a sizzling subject, it’s in every single place and looking for one thing new to say – and say it in an unique and entertaining means – shouldn’t be simple. Insult To Damage won’t be saying something really new, as all the things portrayed has clearly been taken from actual life, however what Millie and Dee do effectively is sprinkle a bit of Moonloaf glitter over it, sufficient to make this a brilliantly thought-provoking present that’s simply a lot enjoyable. Enjoyable that’s till they twist the knife to depart us questioning if this actually is the place we’re all heading with our social media obsession.

Written by: Grace Millie and Kieran Dee
Directed by: Harriet Marsh
Produced by: Moonloaf
Sound and lighting by: Jamie Room/ Eden Harbud

Insult To Damage performs at Lion and Unicorn Theatre till 13 April. Additional data and bookings could be discovered right here.