REVIEW: YIPPEE KI YAY by Richard Marsh at King’s Head until 31 Dec 2022

‘It’s fast, it’s funny and it’s thoroughly absorbing’ ★★★★

For fans of the action film Die Hard, the names of John McClane and Hans Gruber will be very familiar, so too, their accents, impeccably recreated by writer and actor Richard Marsh. Yippee ki Yay has already had rave reviews, so expectations of what the show might provide were very high, and Marsh absolutely delivered. 

The show is a stylised recreation of the film Die Hard, with all the major characters, all played by Marsh. Sounds like pure entertainment but this show is elevated by being written in rhyme, by including the writer’s viewpoint (and back story), by having a little meta theatre (much enjoyed by the audience on press night) and also finding the time to make ironic comments about the film’s comic book element.  It's fast, it's funny and it's thoroughly absorbing. Take your eyes off Marsh for a moment and you’ll miss a chunk of the action. 

Not being completely conversant with the film, does not seem to matter a jot but might help.  The writer’s viewpoint, and his experiences with his own girlfriend who becomes his wife, is a moving portrayal of a terrific relationship which breaks down with the pressures of parenting. As the couple met over their shared love of the film Die Hard, it is fitting that the writer tries to save his marriage by bringing the film to a more romantic conclusion and thus rekindling the love between them. Does he succeed? You’ll have to see the play.

It’s a show which doesn't take itself too seriously and is undoubtedly perfect for the festive seasson.  It’s admirable work from Marsh, who is a London poetry slam champion, essential viewing for those who love a hostage situation (and of course especially for fans of Hans Gruber).  Marvel at the tight direction from Hal Chambers and the precise movement direction from Emma Webb.   It all helps to make this complex show, easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable to watch.   

YIPPEE KI YAY

29 Nov – 31 Dec

KING'S HEAD THEATRE, Islington

Book Now https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/yippee-ki-yay

Full tour dates http://ykylive.com/

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

Richard Marsh - WRITER AND PERFORMER

Darrel Bailey – ALTERNATE PERFORMER

Hal Chambers - DIRECTOR

Emma Webb - MOVEMENT AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Robbie Butler - LIGHTING DESIGNER

Ben Hudson - SOUND DESIGNER AND COMPOSER

Presented by James Seabright