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The Time Machine: A Comedy
28th March 2023 - 1st April 2023
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Original Theatre in association with New Wolsey Theatre present
The Time Machine
Written by Steven Canny & John Nicholson
Adapted from the novel by HG Wells
Directed by Orla O’Loughlin
Starring Michael Dylan (Wilf), Dave Hearn (founding member of the Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre, The Goes Wrong Show) and Amy Revelle (Offside).
A hilarious retelling of the epic and world-famous novel by HG Wells.
Fast-paced, wise-cracking, this is an adaptation like no other. When the world of science fiction and science fact collide extraordinary and mindboggling things can happen.
Expect the most surprising and unforeseen consequences as we go on a journey through time.
From team behind the smash hit comedy The Hound of the Baskervilles and the award-winning Original Theatre who brought you Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d and Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art.
Age guidance: 10+
‘RIB-BUSTLINGLY HILARIOUS’ The Times Productions on THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
THE SHOW BURSTS WITH IMAGINATION, INTELLIGENCE AND TWINKLING IRREVERENCE’ The Guardian Productions on THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
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Event Reviews
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Vicky
Absolutely brilliant! Haven't laughed so much in ages. Something for everyone no matter what your age. Can't recommend highly enough!
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Lesley
Absolutely great evening of Original Theatre - H. G. Wells would have loved it.
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Christine
A “must see”. Really enjoyed this performance on Tuesday. Hilariously funny and imaginative show. A great nights entertainment 😀
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David
I saw this today and I must say it was just brilliant. Such a great pace of comedy and audience interaction. I absolutely loved it. Amazing cast and Dave Hearn in particular is just priceless.
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Penny
Just brilliant. A combination of a chaotic Edinburgh Fringe and The Play That Goes Wrong. Laugh out loud funny.
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The View from the Stalls
Don't go to watch The Time Machine expecting a straightforward rendition of the H. G. Wells classic. Because that means that you have missed the show's vital tagline - "A comedy". For this is Original Theatre's version of the book using just three actors and a range of stage props in front of a large ever-present clock face. Original Theatre is the company which also recently brought The Mirror Crack'd to Malvern.
After an unexplained delay of 20 minutes at the start (maybe they were thrust into the future and didn't get back in time?!), the three actors in this show (Dave Hearn - a face known from the Goes Wrong plays - Amy Revelle and Michael Dylan, along with "delivery boy" Noah Marullo) attempt to explain the intricacies of Well's story of time travel, both forwards and backwards, flitting between the rehearsals for the play (which should in any case have been The Importance of being Earnest) and the time travelling itself. This is sometimes a little hit and miss as it does require various bits to be repeated as they return to the same timeslot but it does also give the script a chance for Megan to try and bump off Queen Victoria. There is also the classic "Goes Wrong" aspect of lines being performed in the wrong sequence, answers coming before the questions… And it does end in the accidental death of one of the characters. A death that is repeated many times in different ways. This "fourth dimension" of time travel can clearly be a risky thing…
The second half, starting in exactly the same way as the first half (we are all time travellers, you see, so it's back to the beginning!) ups the fun - and funny - aspect enormously. We are now back with the actors playing themselves - mostly - whilst getting the participation, either up on stage or remaining seated and helping out, of a number of members of the audience - a bonus as breaking this "fourth wall" is where the cast's strengths lie and they take full advantage of it. Standout moments here include a reference back to The Importance of being Earnest with a "handbag" hip-hop rap session and, seemingly at any available moment, Cher gets a look in too. And there is that impending death to contend with too...
A show which is obviously not to be taken seriously, the cast present a lively comedic version of the H. G. Wells classic, taking the book as a framework for a comedy rather than a meticulous representation of it.
www.theviewfromthestalls.org.uk
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Fairy Powered Productions - Courie Amado Juneau
The Time Machine: A Comedy comes to Malvern! Or is that returns to Malvern? Or is it yet to come to Malvern? No, luckily for all of us close to Malvern, I can confirm it is indeed here and was well worth the wait.
The show is very loosely based on H.G. Wells famous novel but this is just the launching off point for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions encompassing stage and rehearsal space and time as the actors attempt to mount a production given a most peculiar set of circumstances and tribulations.
The cast is small but perfectly formed. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say too much without spoiling the tortuously convoluted plot but I’ll just mention that (amongst their other attributes) Dave Hearn was every inch the comic genius you know and love from the Goes Wrong franchise, here in a meatier role than usual, with a surprising family connection… Amy Revelle is the accident prone love interest with a penchant for song and Michael Dylan the romantic, perpetual victim with all the right moves. Individually all master comedians; together a finely honed comic ensemble! Also present is Noah Marullo who has a couple of important supporting functions, which he played to perfection.
If you’re a fan of astonished glances breaking the fourth wall, this show will have your boat floated. There’s some pseudo science that I thoroughly enjoyed – testament to the quality of writing, making the driest of material positively drip with hilarity. Pay attention – there may be questions later. There’s even a surprise guest appearance. This clever show throws in locally flavoured jokes, has slapstick and showtunes… In fact, there’s very little this show doesn’t have – it even weaves in a cliffhanger! The second half is way funnier than the first – and that’s some feat! There literally isn’t a moment where the laughter eases up.
Audience participation features heavily and it’s without doubt the funniest I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing that this part of the show is very ad-libbed, with the actors reacting to the audience members “helpful” input. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves and I know we were. So be prepared to join in (or take a show-off friend along you can duck behind).
I had astronomically high hopes when I saw that Dave Hearn was in this because I have loved his previous work. My hopes were more than exceeded. I could happily watch this show time and again and I’m certain it would get funnier and funnier.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the sands of time, casting inopportune footprints in the literary shoreline of a revered classic whilst dropping its comedy choc ices into the sandcastles of science fact (or something). An absolute classic making its live debut before transferring (I’m sure) to the small screen. A must see show. Every inch the play that goes right and one I have no hesitation in recommending you rush out and see asap!
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West End Best Friend - Rachael Martin
H.G. Wells’ classic 1895 novel The Time Machine has been given a hilarious retelling in a fast paced, whimsical adaptation written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson and directed by Orla O’Loughlin.
Dave Hearn (founding member of Mischief Theatre) plays Dave Wells, an actor and also the great, great grandson of H.G. Wells who discovers a box of the author’s belongings. Alongside Amy (Amy Revelle) and Michael (Michael Dylan), their little theatre company decides to put on a production of The Time Machine, instead of their planned tour of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Only when the world of science fiction collides with science fact, well, let’s just say, anything can happen…quite literally! And when it does, how exactly do you prevent that thing happening over and over again?
There are versatile and exceptional performances from all, responding to one another perfectly to create the most entertaining evening that will have you crying with laughter. A slight amount of audience participation in Act Two could take the story in any direction, but it is dealt with perfectly and only adds to the delight.
The effects and mishaps are so well portrayed that, at times, it’s not actually clear what is purposeful and what has been embraced by the cast as a mishap that has just carried on - it’s all just so convincing!
If you’re expecting a tale of historical values and glimpses into the future, then you may be disappointed. However, if you’re willing to go along for the ride and see where it takes you, have a little bit of science, a little bit of Cher and a lot of laughs thrown in then you will be extremely happy.
Unruly, uncontrollable and possibly one of the best nights out ever!
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Behind the Arras - Jane Lush
This unusual but dynamic adaptation of The Time Machine, the 1895 novel by H.G Wells, has the audience guessing right from before the show starts. Why are there no pre-show announcements? Why does the show not start on time?
This is followed inside the auditorium by several minutes of music related to the time theme with the audience staring at the backdrop of a giant clock and wondering what the delay is. The cast apologise for the lateness of the show and from this point the audience realise they need to suspend belief and expect the unexpected.
The story, created by Steven Canny, John Nicholson and Mark Shanahan takes us on a dizzy journey led by Dave Wells (Dave Hearn), H.G Wells’s great great grandson who is determined to tell his great great grandfather’s story. With the support of fellow actors Amy Revelle and Michael Dylan we are taken on a remarkable journey which dips in and out of reality under the skillful direction of Orla O’Loughlin.
In the original story scientist Alexander Hartdegen’s intention to prove his theory of time travel turns into an obsession when he decides to go back in time to save his girlfriend from dying.
The action in this performance begins with all three characters in period costume (apart from their trainers). But this then swiftly departs from Wells’s original story.
The use of paradoxes and the movement forwards and backwards in time takes the audience on a rollercoaster of engagement and involvement which sometimes leaves them completely baffled and possibly at times a little unnerved.
Finally the interaction with the audience culminates in three audience members actually taking roles on stage, while Michael has a “date” with an audience member and pizzas and wine are delivered.
The three extremely talented cast entertained us with striking song and dance routines (particularly featuring Cher, brilliantly sung by Amy). The action throughout was illuminated by striking sound and lighting effects.
This show is definitely not to be missed. Brought to us by the team behind The Hound of the Baskervilles, and award-winning Original Theatre who brought us Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d and Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art.
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Worcestershire What's On Live - Sue Hull
Original Theatre’s The Time Machine is certainly fast-paced, very silly and full of fun. A quirky comedy brimming with madness and mayhem that will appeal to audiences of all ages, the show is inspired by HG Wells’ classic science fiction novella of the same name - although if you are a fan of the original book, or love the 1960 film adaptation, this particular incarnation might leave you feeling somewhat bemused!
The play within a play features Michael Dylan, Dave Hearne and Amy Revelle, a trio of actors who are preparing a low-grade live tour of The Importance Of Being Earnest. Dave claims he is the great, great grandson of HG Wells. Having unearthed some remarkable artefacts, he believes his ancestor’s famous book may well have been based on fact instead of fiction, and so the trio of performers decide to tell the story of The Time Machine instead, to prove his theory.
The ensuing yarn takes the audience on an erratic, mistake-ridden rollercoaster ride through time, as the world of science fiction collides with the world of science fact. It is all somewhat reminiscent of The Play That Goes Wrong, with technical flaws, unsynchronised dialogue, props crashing and lighting malfunctions. The show started 20 minutes late, which we assumed must’ve been as a result of a real technical issue. Add to all this the fourth wall being abolished, lots of ad-libbing, and audience participation taking centre stage, and you have a show that’s not only energetic but exhausting!
The performance was slick, the comedy timing excellent, the three actors on top of their game. In the programme, Michael Dylan chooses to sum up the show in just three words: Anything could happen. With a rendition of Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time, a death by stabbing, and a hip-hop/Irish dancing mash-up all featuring on the night, it’s easy to see what he means. Quite simply, this show is utterly bonkers.
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Showtime! John Phillpott
Some hacks and assorted scribblers of my acquaintance have lately become agitated by a new techno fad known as ‘artificial intelligence.’
Such literary types have been wringing their hands until they almost burst into flames, tormented by the notion that a simple machine might soon become the new Shakespeare rather than them.
I say bring it on. I for one would be more than glad if a few random electronic pulses started writing the captions for the BBC news channel in place of the current crop of terminal illiterates who can’t spell ‘licence’ or know when the noun ‘practice’ becomes a verb and therefore needs an ‘s’.
Oh no. It’s not ‘artificial intelligence’ that bothers me, it’s time travel. The thought of suddenly finding oneself stuck in the middle of a 17th century pitched battle or thrust forward several hundred years and dumped into a world ruled by extra-terrestrials scares me much more than some software that can write the equivalent of Kit Marlowe’s complete works in two seconds.
Ironically, the first test of the evening’s time travel session presented itself when the show started 20 minutes late. Theoretically, this shouldn’t have been a problem, as we should easily have been transported by H G Wells’ contraption back from 7.50 to 7.30pm.
For some reason this didn’t happen, either because it was the machine itself that had conked out, or there had been a problem with the set and lighting. Either way, we didn’t find out.
Notwithstanding the late start on the first night, Dave Hearn, Amy Revelle and Michael Dylan soon got into the swing of things. It was a case of seconds out, we now haven’t got a minute to spare. Only clock and roll, but we like it.
However, I would imagine that if it’s possible to wipe out several centuries in the blink of an eyelid, splitting the odd hair or two is neither here nor there. Except perhaps it is, as there is, by definition, plenty of hither and thither going on down the ages, is there not?
After all, it’s hardly Einstein is it? Er no, correction – perhaps it is. For was it not Einstein who later supported Wells’ theory that time was not a constant and might indeed be capable of moving in different directions? Summat like that anyway.
Writers Steven Canny and John Nicholson never for one single moment drop down into a lower gear with the script, as if there’s actually no time to waste. But there again, why should such considerations matter, assuming that time itself may be just as flexible as a length of leisure trousers elastic?
Having said that, despite the tortured dinosaur sound effects coming from the time machine itself, the reality is that everyone, including the audience, remains in real time, moving no further than the bar in the interval.
Directed by award-winning creative Orla O’Loughlin, The Time Machine might not be all that recognisable to a time-travelling H G Wells… but there again, he would have appreciated that the proverbial waits for no man.
Irreverent – and above all, exceedingly silly throughout – this week’s presentation at Malvern Theatres is well worth a visit.
