REVIEW: BOGGING-OFF FROM BLIGHTY Camden Fringe at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 19 – 21 August 2024

“An exciting portrayal of present-day geosocial topics.” ★★★★

Have you ever stumbled across an undiscovered island in the English Channel on Facebook Marketplace? If you haven’t, four university graduates beat you to it!  Bogging-off from Blighty is an exuberant play that exposes economic and political problems, disguising them through ironic comedy. A big emphasis is placed on the cost of living crisis, as well as the overpriced renting scene in London.

The graduates abandon their dull flat in London and spontaneously travel to a deserted island. They claim the island as their own and refer to themselves as the ‘founding parents’ of Newbrit-On-Sea. Soon enough, they realise that initiating their own nation is not as simple as they imagined. Troubles arise when disagreements spark between the founders and the new civilians - the established rulers are not in favour. 

Ben, played by Calum Banks, was the most vibrant character. I was amused by his enthusiasm, and his ability to maintain a positive attitude when difficulties erupted on the island. He tried to encourage the power of a community, even though the others weren’t as collaborative.

The theatre-in-the-round layout worked well when it came to audience interaction. The actors paced around and shook hands with the audience, they also handed out poll cards for the voting scene. A slow-motion physical theatre scene was incorporated. Ben was lifted and swayed around by the actors - this was effective in portraying, from my perspective, him sailing around the waters. Dark blue lights were projected onto the stage to illustrate this.

Some small details could have been added to boost the island's atmosphere. Blue confetti, or scrunched-up paper, could have been used on the ground to imitate water. Also, scattered cans of tinned food would have been a good indication of limited resources on the island. Adding fake sand might have been satisfying too. During a scene where Ben was punched in the face, I think a small amount of fake blood could have added more credibility.

In summary, this play brought to the limelight the current challenges faced by young adults through satirical allegory. In spite of the fact that it made the audience giggle, hidden messages regarding corruption were visible. The play faded out with a contextualised song: ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears. This was a pleasant touch to the ending.

BOGGING-OFF FROM BLIGHTY Camden Fringe at Lion and Unicorn Theatre19 – 21 August 2024

Presented by Second Jest

Writer/Director: Ciaran Cross

Assistant Director: Kirsty Diana Smith

Callum Banks as Ben

Poppy Taplin as Imogen

Euan Hyden as Rafe

Kristian Palmeholt-Letchumanan as Theo

Stage Management: Gee Cusk

Technical Operator: Joe Mclnally

Instagram: secondjesttheatre