Gunpowder, Treason and…Gout? Remember, Remember! Review | Ellen Leslie

‍★★★★ ‍

Considering my birthday is the fifth of November, it’s embarrassing how little I know about the Gunpowder Plot. After watching Remember, Remember, I think I’m even less clued up on it!

‍The show is very loosely inspired by the Gunpowder Plot, focusing mainly on Robert Catesby (Kluane Saunders), the original leader of the plot. When Guy Fawkes (Lucy Buncombe) turns up, the other conspirators (Tom O’Kelly) are immediately infatuated with him, and elect him as their new leader. Robert is left to befriend King James I (Ross Tomlinson) in the hopes of finding out information they can use against him, but things take a highly unexpected turn.

‍It is a high quality and polished performance filled with catchy songs, high kicks and plenty of innuendo. The actors all hold their own, and Tomlinson particularly shines in the role of Jamie. Buncombe has great facial expressions, while Saunders is a beautiful singer, and excels in the dance sequences. O’Kelly has a variety of roles, and he is fabulous in all of them. They all put their heart and soul into the performance, and it’s truly a highly enjoyable hour.

‍Lots of the humour hinges on pop culture, which goes down well with the audience. This is further demonstrated by the backdrop, which consists of medieval-style portraits of celebrities from Kim Woodburn to Katie Price. The contrast between the past and the present is both startling and hilarious. It was particularly funny to watch them try to fit a date for the plot into their busy social lives: one of them has a wedding on the first date, while another has a Hyrox booked for the second.

For me, there is too much crude humour that goes on for too long. Jamie’s gouty foot is a key feature in the latter half of the show, but coupled with the innuendo, it feels awkward to watch. While Tomlinson is excellent in the role, the character’s constant baby talk and over the top flamboyancy left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Wonderfully weird and extremely well performed, Remember, Remember! is a high energy musical packed with twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. Although I don’t know much about the history behind Guy Fawkes night, I’m positive that WIT? Theatre Company’s version is more exciting!

Remember Remember! will be performed at Pleasance Dome until 30 August as part of Edinburgh Fringe.

‍ ‍By Ellen Leslie