Mischief Movie Night at Vaudeville Theatre

The Vaudeville Theatre presents Mischief Movie Night: a light-hearted production that ends a tough year with hijinks and improvised fun through an immensely enjoyable and chaotic evening. Brought by the troupe famously known for hilarious runaways such as The Play That Goes Wrong, the show lives up to humourous expectations while simultaneously reminding audiences of the joy that is live performance. The current project by Mischief demonstrates theatrical fun while offering smile-inducing escapism through strong onstage chemistry, wicked comedic timing and engaging viewer participation. 

The 70-minute-long play is essentially a film brought to life on the spot. Led by the host of the night, Oscar (Jonathan Sayer), who has “every movie” ever conceived in his possession, the audience is asked to give the company a genre, setting and title. From this sparse information, the troupe improvises the story. The spontaneous technique is supported by the solid cast and packed with jokes, making Mischief Movie Night more ridiculous as it progresses. The back-and-forth between actors and spectators – although it can derail and create confusion at times – evokes contagious enjoyment. Focused mainly on constructing an immersive experience as opposed to a coherent plot, the production personifies pleasure.

On this particular night, a Christmas film poking fun at Hallmark’s tropes and set in Sainsbury’s took shape, complete with various musical numbers as characters set out to rediscover their festive cheer. From proposing cats to various romantic affairs with a hysterical rendition of Santa Claus (Henry Lewis), the show was hilariously entertaining. Of course, each presentation promises something different with such an improvised formula, but due to reliably funny performers paired with the immaculate MC capabilities of Sayer, consistent quality seems to be guaranteed. The show successfully accomplishes its intention to draw in onlookers and leave them laughing uncontrollably, regardless of what genre is suggested that evening. 

Mischief Movie Night feels like a breath of fresh air after this anxiety-inducing period. An extremely social experience, where observers and actors come together – at an appropriate distance, of course – to create fun, the comedy offers sheer optimism. With its easy-going and witty banter, it is a great production to usher in the holiday season, new year and the hesitant return of live performance.

Emma-Jane Betts

Mischief Movie Night is at Vaudeville Theatre from 9^th December until 31^st January 2021. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.