Theatre / kneehigh
Review: Dead Dog in a Suitcase, Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Old Vic welcomes back this colourful multimedia show from Kneehigh and Liverpool Everyman Playhouse, an adaptation of John Gay’s classic musical satire The Beggar’s Opera.
Mayor Goodman and his dog are shot, and the contract killer Macheath marries Polly Peachum; the Peachums are not happy about it, and what follows is a wild chase to catch Macheath, bring Polly back, and ensure that the Peachums nab the mayoral vote.
This version of Gay’s opera includes ska, rock, punk and a touch of classical, all performed with verve by the cast and composed by Charles Hazlewood. Michael Vale’s set has the feel of an anarchic playground with its scaffolding, slides, ladders and poles, around which the tale unfolds.
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Rina Fatania as Mrs Peachum is delightfully villainous – we know who’s calling the shots in that partnership – and Georgia Frost is utterly charming as Filch, the beleaguered but plucky ‘yes-man’.
Unfortunately for this musical, it errs on the scrappy side, exchanging narrative momentum for dad humour and theatrics. Losing investment this way, the morality tale of corruption doesn’t have much bite. That’s not to say the theatrics aren’t impressive: anti-establishment calls to ‘bring it all down’ are taken literally, plus everyone in the cast and band are talented performers, especially Patrycja Kujawska (Mrs Goodman) whose shredding on the violin is incredible.
Dead Dog in a Suitcase doesn’t have the bite it claims, but if you’re seeking an evening of musical high jinks, this is your ticket.
Dead Dog in a Suitcase continues at Bristol Old Vic until Saturday, July 3. For more info, visit bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/dead-dog-in-a-suitcase
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