Jack Absolute Flies Again

When: 12th July 2022

Where: National Theatre, London

Writers: Richard Bean and Oliver Chris

Director: Emily Burns

(Minor Spoilers ahead)

As you would expect from the National, 'Jack Absolute Flies Again' is brilliant! It's an absolute treat! This is a brand new play, based on 'The Rivals' by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, but is destined to become a classic in it's own right.

The comedy is perfectly written and executed, it is classic comedy with witty punchlines, humourous misunderstandings and fabulously unique characters each hilarious in their own way. My favourite character was the maid. As in all comedies she plays the key role of mixing up letters and causing issues, but in this play she is totally aware of this. In one moment she turns to Jack and tells him to stop worrying about not getting the girl, because he'll get her in the end as that's how these plays work. In another when a letter magically appears in the hands of another character she simply turns to audience and exclaims 'Theatre!'. It's so simple and yet it is hysterical everytime it happens. This had us laughing at every line, it was just spectacular.

The set is wonderful it's highly imaginative and creates a fantastically immersive experience. With buildings popping out slightly from the back walls, the front of each of them opens up and the rooms from within move forward into place. It has a slight cartoon like nature which works perfectly with the style of the piece. One of the standout moments uses the cyclorama of the stage and both the side walls of the auditorium as screens. The lights go down on stage and images are projected onto the walls, the audience are made to feel like they are flying in the cockpit of one of the planes. I smiled through the entire scene.

The one slightly disappointing thing for me was the ending. The majority of the play is fast paced, funny, and exciting, but the ending felt slow and disheartening. It took me a little while to understand what had happened as it is only really implied and not stated. Whilst it is fitting as it takes place in the war and it changes the ending to show perhaps the guy doesn't always get the girl (Although this is only implied as well, they may well have got together I'm not sure). For me the ending felt a little loose and wasn't as grounded or satisfying as I would have liked. However I got over it quickly as the bows return to the fun and uptempo nature of the rest of the play.

I recommend this play to everyone, it's funny, a spectacle, and easily accessible. This play is one for newbies and regular theatre goers alike, for anyone who wants to have a great time. Go and see it! This is sure to be a stand-out play for the summer!

Comments

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