It’s A Bird . . . It’s A Plane . . . It’s Superman flew into the Leicester Square Theatre for a limited run on the 10th February and finishes on 21st February. Produced by All Star Productions this show is a humorous send up of the old style comic strip of Superman.
Having first been produced by All Star Productions in March 2014 at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre in Walthamstow the cast return to bedazzle audiences in this central London location.
10 time Nobel Prize loser is out to bring Superman down and reveal his secret identity, along with help from the Flying Lings (put out of work as the public can see ‘Superman fly for free!’) and Max Mencken – journalist at The Daily Planet and who is slightly obsessed with our leading lady Lois Lane.
From the outset we see that this show is going to have us rolling in the aisles with laughter. Comedy performances galore and funny cardboard cut out props reminded me of the old style ‘Batman’ TV series with a verbal ‘Pow’ here and there during fight scenes. A particular highlight which seemed to have the audiences laughing was the levitation of Superman’s cape (as he went ‘up up and away’) and a doll of Superman that flew clumsily across the skyscraper back drop as ‘he’ flew across the city.
For all the fun and light hearted amusement throughout there are some stellar performances to be noted.
Craig Berry as Superman has a wonderful voice and plays the alternating characters of Superman and Clark Kent with variety and distinction. Michelle LaFortune is sweet and endearing as Lois Lane and is every bit the fiery yet sweet damsel in distress.
Matthew Ibbotson as Dr. Abner Sedgwick brings a wonderful manic, split personality character to life before our very eyes. Comedy timing and great physicality makes this a stand out performance.
Sarah Kennedy as Sydney is another who delivers a strong comical powerhouse performance. She has the subtle glances and understanding of her role within the show to take the audience to the next level and uses every moment on stage to really drive her characters presence to hilarious effect. Sydney’s on/off boyfriend Max Mencken, played by Paul Harwood, has light and shade as he moves from arrogant reporter to evil partner of Dr Ibbotson.
Kate McPhee has done a good job with choreography and the overly caricatured movement and almost slapstick style routines really add to the ambience and fun element of the show.
Overall this is a fun night out at the theatre. It’s almost pantoesque approach means there’s something for everyone. Catch this show before the tickets ‘fly’ off the shelf . . .
Reviewed by Matthew Wren Andrew
It’s A Bird . . . It’s A Plane . . . It’s Superman is playing at the Leicester Square Theatre for a limited run until 21st February. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
