The Greatest Play of All Time at Old Red Lion Theatre

Robin Hughes delights with an all-new play at the Old Red Lion theatre and pub in the heart of Angel, wherein he explores the fine balance between politics and comedy. Appealing to a wide array of audiences through the use of intimate writing and staging, Hughes successfully writes an irreverent play following two characters that mock the very art form that they are representing.

Coming in at just over an hour, Lorne Macnaughton and Martin Coates deliver an impressively witty and cutting-edge performance under the guise of comedy; the cast share both hilarious and sentimental moments throughout. Taking on woke culture through script and production, both actors shine in line delivery and indirect incorporation of the audience.

Filled with casual profanities galore and real-world problems combined, this style of comedy is nothing short of engaging to watch. Given that the play only has two characters, is set in one location and has minimal props, the creative team delivers an enthralling and bizarre play that leaves you anything but bored. Most notably, the use of sound, lighting, costume and stagecraft add to an immersive experience, differing from plays on a much larger scale.

The show has a clever way of addressing the plight of acting, and how, (in the words of the cast), theatre is doomed. The matching costumes between Opinion 1 and Opinion 2 create an eerie atmosphere at times between the actors, as well as serving the purpose of being used for sexual innuendos and comedic relief for the audience. Lighting also doesn’t fail to serve its strategic use in world-building and storytelling alike.

No minority group is left untouched, making this play almost inclusive – exploring the world of Buddhists, vegans, classic Russian art forms, and more. The cosy pub that dates all the way back to 1415 allows for only a small group of people in its upstairs theatre, making this play feel like an almost exclusive club that only really cool people know about. Is it really the greatest play of all time? Well, although it may be no Shakespeare or Doestoevoksy, it does have a place as a contender, and is well worth spending an hour of your time on.