For a brand new production by a first-time playwright, Miscreation actually has heaps of production history. More than you could shake a 1950's alien or monster at.
The play is the end result of a project by Louth Playgoers and local professional company Hambledon Productions. Hambledon, who recently staged Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show, which is heading to the Edinburgh Festival and then on to the West End, is co-directed by Grimsby-born John Hewer who also works as a freelance scriptwriter.
Last summer, he ran a weekly scriptwriting workshop and, with Playgoers, staged a Scratch Night (where short excerpts of the writers' scripts are performed to an open audience who voted for their favourite piece to get fully produced). Miscreation, written by local lad Dan Christmas, is the result and it's one that everyone involved should be proud of.
There is no faulting this production's main attempt to produce a fast-flowing comedy. Dan's characters are extremely defined and recognisable, with several flaws and personal concerns which are developed, destroyed and manipulated throughout the traumatic proceedings.
An unknown entity is attacking the small island of Temboley and five of its residents seek shelter in the basement. A standard premise, but the story soon becomes more about the "monsters" within the building rather than those stampeding outside.
Witty dialogue blends with gentle slapstick while there's a startling undercurrent of Armageddon breathing down their necks. Moodily lit and with a punchy soundtrack, Miscreation demonstrates exactly how much can be achieved with a good script, the right atmosphere and a superb cast.
Billed as "'Friends-meets-'Blackadder'-meets-a 1950s sci-fi B movie", a comedy horror is a different sub-genre to stage. John's direction is alive, rapid and contains many cleverly crafted nuances. If you want to see something new, sharp, thought provoking and extremely giggle-some, then this is the best production on the scene.
Good news is that both the workshop and Scratch Night are back, starting this Saturday. For any budding writers in the area, it's an unmissable opportunity. I look forward to seeing the outcome next year. It has a lot to live up to, mind…
All performances start from 8pm tonight, Thursday, July 3, to Saturday, July 5, at the Riverhead Theatre, Louth. Call the box office on 01507 600350, open 10am to 1pm. Alternatively go online at www.louthplaygoers.com. Tickets are £6.
