Shock Treatment at The Kings Head Theatre (my short review) by Matt Jessee

You can't take the "Treat" out of Shock Treatment - it is an absolute joy and it's time has most definitely come!

I've been a recent convert to the Shock Treatment film - as a RHPS fan I dismissed it years ago after one viewing on Betamax back in the day. But my how times have changed. As I'm sure has been discussed in these circles and elsewhere, the subject matter was strangely prescient - themes of reality tv "non" celebrities, anti-depressant reliant citizens, corporate mind control and "USA! USA!" brand patriotism. (The 1981 film is a flawed masterpiece!)

I was excited but nervous to see whether this film could then be adapted for the stage - and furthermore a specifically small stage production which would reduce the enormous film cast down to 7 characters.

I'm happy to say that not only could it be done, it has been done very well indeed. The clever script adaptation by Tom Crowley actually provides more characterisation and plot development than the film could manage. Motivations in particular are made much clearer. And the script also gives more room for the great songs to shine. The live band were tight and sounded fantastic. (The one technical note I had was I sometimes found the music overpowered the vocals - but that may have been because I was too near one of the speakers - a hazard in such a small space.) That being said, the cast were in fine voice. (I hate to single anyone out as they were all great, but Julie Atherton is a fantastic singer and absolutely perfect casting for Janet.)

The opening song "Denton U.S.A." is a great high-energy sing-a-long thanks to some title cards held up for the first chorus. (I wish these could have been held up during each chorus so that the entire audience would sing the chorus at full voice every time - it's such a catchy song and really gets the audience in the mood!)

I don't want to give too many spoilers, but other song highlights include "Little Black Dress" (obviously), "Shock Treatment" (very cool staging/effects) and "Look What I Did To My Id". "Me, Me, Me" and "Looking For Trade (with a slightly changed title)" were also standouts.

Many of the songs contain altered lyrics to fit the new storyline. The new lyrics work very well - and in some cases improve on the original songs (particularly the extended "Little Black Dress"). Also the story benefits from the consolidation of some of the film characters into Ralph and Betty Hapschatt (the superb Mateo Oxley and Rosanna Hyland). Their storyline gives the show a modern edge even though the style is still very much at the crest of 80's New Wave. One relationship that is very much intact from the film version is the quasi incestuous (and Riff Raff/Magenta echoing) one between Cosmo and Nation McKinley (played to the hilt by Adam Rhys-Davies and Nic Lamont). In fact there are so many quick funny moments that the show demands repeat visits just to catch everything.

Ben Kerr is great as Brad - just wished for a bit more stage time for him (his final song is a standout though!). And as the Rupert Murdoch-like villain Farley Flavors, Mark Little is a powerful presence on stage (even if most of his songs are more spoken than sung - but he does it very effectively and he's extremely funny). The one thing I did miss from the film was the character of Nurse Ansalong. Although she didn't have much screentime, her character had a special kind of sexy playfulness (and I missed her dynamic with Cosmo & Nation. This also has a lot to do with Little Nell's screen presence and unusual singing voice.)

I also have to mention the clever set design which is quite impressive for this size production in such a small space. You really feel like you're in the DTV Studios!

Shock Treatment has always lived in Rocky's shadow (and there are even some small but clever nods to Rocky in the show that weren't in the film). But this production allows Shocky to stand on it's own feet and find its own audience - it's a fun, funny show full of great songs performed by a cracking cast. Can't wait to see it again!