Calum Shiels brings us How To Kill Your Landlord, a modern-age comedy of errors aiming to amuse and tickle those who have been unfortunate enough to have actually met, and had the misfortune of interacting, with their landlord. Strap in Edinburgh, this one sounds like a familiar tale, and what ensues is a renter’s fantasy and worst nightmare all rolled into one big breakdown.
Archie (John Gregor) is everything you would expect from a negligent, pompous, above-it-all landlord, and his pantomime-style caricature aptly demonstrates the ridiculousness and audacity that is often inflicted upon unsuspecting renters, including, but not limited to: refusals of repairs, deposit pocketing, surprise eviction notices, and a touch of asbestos. Gregor plays the role perfectly, finding the sweet spot between maniacal lunatic and run of the mill landlord, prompting many knowing laughs from the audience. Similarly, the character of Burke (Robbie Fletcher-Hill), one of the tenants, is executed in an equally effective manner that is intentionally grating, reenforcing to us that the actions about to be committed are not that of your average tenant.
Whilst the concepts and quips are amusing, there is an apparent lack of substance and emotion to the characters. The balance between caricature and overacting is one that is difficult to strike, and sadly this show just misses the mark. If the intention was for each character to be a big, stereotyped personality and simultaneously gain favour with the audience, it falls short. Instead, there is a lack of chemistry between the cast and early on the jokes feel wooden and forced.
Ultimately, the show feels slightly clunky and overworked, but nevertheless provides an hour of light-hearted fun and snappy punchlines that make it an enjoyable watch. And to my landlord, if you are reading this, I absolutely do not condone any violence towards those in your position, and definitely won’t be stealing any of the whimsical, maverick moves that these renters attempted to enact on theirs.
How To Kill Your Landlord is running until 25th August at 17.00 in Bedlam Theatre.
Image provided by DBN productions to The Student as press.