Did I Believe It?

Apprehensive is the word I would use to describe how I felt as I arrived at 1885 Britomart to review interactive comedy event, Did I Believe it? ‘Sit in the second row so you don’t get spit on,’ was the helpful suggestion of the show’s hostess…

Did I Believe It?

Apprehensive is the word I would use to describe how I felt as I arrived at 1885 Britomart to review Did I Believe it? ‘Sit in the second row so you don’t get spit on,’ was the helpful suggestion of the show’s hostess as she handed me a delicious feijoa vodka cocktail supplied by sponsor 42 Below.

I say ‘apprehensive’ because the invite stated that this was to be a ‘new style [of] interactive theatre which revolutionizes the audience experience,’ which I felt implied that I would be on my feet – and probably on the stage – getting involved. Thankfully this didn’t turn out to be the case, though the surprise offering of a second 42 Below vodka was on-hand just in case.

But what can be said about Did I Believe it? Well, I suppose it could be described as a bar-side theatre show fronted by 1970s style investigative journalists…but that might confuse you more than it does inform. You see, Did I Believe it? is probably best seen to be believed.

If I’m honest, I left behind my love for live theatre in my teens so I’m willing to admit to perhaps not being quite up with the play in terms of what passes for entertainment in such an environment. But I do, however, have the good taste to know that some topics such as domestic abuse, the holocaust, and sexual violence are no laughing matter. If you agree, I would suggest voting with your feet and steering clear of this show.

In saying that, I thought the acting was top-notch (though I am a little confused about why the cast list seems to differ slightly from who was actually onstage) and the characterization was also excellent. At some points I felt like I was watching an embarrassing high school theatre sports event, at other times I found the jokes to be wry and right on the money.

I particularly enjoyed the dig that one character made at his fellow ‘aging creatives’ as he ‘regaled them with stories of the time he lived in London.’ Classic.

Ticket prices are $35 for pre-sales, and $42 at the door which I thought was a good price for what you get – especially considering it’s fronted by the likes of Toni Potter and Dean O’Gorman. The season is running in Auckland at 1885 Britomart from 9-30th April; and in Wellington at Foxglove Ballroom from 3-12 May 2011.

By Jasmine Pearson, 11 April 2011.