Beth Miles and Aurelia Harris-Johnstone soar onto stage in this comical and relatable comedy centring around a plane journey from London Heathrow to LAX. They perform multi-role duologues across different rows of the aircraft, including some stereotypical Cali girls, a couple of screaming kids, and the air hostesses. These portrayals are hilariously accurate, filled with varied accents and ages that make for amusing interactions across passengers. Though some of the characters are less focused on, and therefore slightly plainer, the overall choice of contrasting characters is well thought out.
Structuring the announcement bell to signal a character change also created excellent signposting for the audience, as well as adding to the illusion of being inside an aeroplane. Many other intricate details are added to this performance to make it professional and interesting for audience members, such as the flight safety cards handed out before “boarding” and the overhead announcements to file into the theatre. It is components such as these that elevate simple concepts to professional standards.
Cabin Fever builds an amusing storyline utilising interesting characters on their journey to discovery and makes a funny commentary on highly plausible situations. It also brilliantly executes jests and gags without being outwardly explicit or crude, making it a brilliant watch for the whole family.
Cabin Fever by Fresh !nk Theatre Company is on at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Theatre 3. Aug 22-24
Buy tickets here.
Image provided to The Student as press material.