Police Cops: The Musical at Southwark Playhouse

Comedy company Police Cops have concocted a brilliant two hours of pure entertainment: nostalgia for those classic 80s buddy cop films, with all their clichés turned inside out, that meets comic genius with a touch of absurdism. A magnifying lens on the stereotypical “good American” (stress on can as opposed to an Americant) as well as on the racism and sexism within the police force. The plot is packed with action and intentional silliness of the best kind. Not to mention, frequent breaking of the fourth wall – a (un)lucky audience member sitting in the front row basically becomes part of the cast for a while, being brought onstage to dance and prove that they are, in fact, not a racist.

The plot – with all its intentionally predictable twists – is rather simple at its core, parodying many films that most audience members will be familiar with: a young boy who wants to be the best police cop ever, and eventually is paired with the more experienced cop with a shady past. The rogue who does not play by the book. Together, they’re hunting the worst cat criminal the country has ever seen.

Writers and co-directors Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe shine in their individual roles – respectively Jimmy Johnson, Malloy and Harrison – with impeccable comic timing. Melinda Orengo (Rosa) and Natassia Bustamante (Billie/Gonzalez) offer multi-layered performances while constantly switching clothes and roles, giving distinctive personality traits even to the minor characters. This is one wildly talented cast: they dance, sing loudly, are not afraid to make fun of their own very craft and know how to appear clueless. Most importantly, they seem to have a real blast.

The absurdist nature of the play is perhaps one of its greatest strengths; notably the girl who occasionally walks across the stage clapping (that is her role, just to clap) and Harrison’s improvised candy shop monologue, that has the audience in stitches for its surreal brilliance.

At the end, one might leave wishing for a part two. More hours packed with adrenaline, contemporary jokes and lucky eggs. One thing is certain: the cast’s energy, quick-to-laughter-ness and enjoyment of being on stage are highly contagious.

Benedetta Mancusi

Police Cops: The Musical is at Southwark Playhouse from 1^st March until 20^th April 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.