A unique and fun parody musical of the beloved film Die Hard.
Yippee-Ki-Yay! is a musical parody based on the classic film Die Hard. Set during Christmas Eve, John McClaine flies to his wife with the intention of taking her home after a six month contract has ended. After some complications in their relationship, John is feeling disheartened. Meanwhile, a group of terrorists attack the building. With all employees held captive, can John save the day? This production is made by The Open Door Theatre Company: a brilliant group of performers who already completed a run of this show back in 2023. Here at Rhombus, we already have experience with the company from Space Hamlet (2024), which was a brilliant unique take of Hamlet. Thankfully, lots of the cast are returning for this show too.
The production uses the space at Beecles Public Hall to the full effect for this show, with a shiny blue boarder around the stage. Moreover, the set pieces are all used for multiple uses which is a clever idea. I enjoyed the Christmas decorations: making this show feel very jolly. The costumes were on point from the movie and the lighting was great to help lift the piece!
Sadie Samhain Parry plays Edwina amongst other characters. Their comedy timing was very good and they were able to move between their characters really effectively. Ben Pierson plays Robinson amongst other characters. He worked very well alongside his other actors during the terrorists scenes: making for fun and comedic moments. April Nash plays Ange amongst other characters. Ange was such a joyful, fun character and Nash fully understands how to portray this on stage! She was a pleasure to watch throughout the opening song. Shem Jacobs plays Carl amongst other characters. As a returning face from Space Hamlet (2024), we were already aware of Jacobs’s great acting and singing which continues into this show. The costume was well done and when they came into the audience, it made for a fun and engaging interaction! Amy Bevan plays Ginny amongst other characters. Another returning face from Space Hamlet (2024), Bevan was a stand out in that show. Bevan was brilliant in this show too, delivering some strong vocals and acting effectively throughout.
Nic Gordon returns from Space Hamlet (2024) as Ellis amongst other characters. Gordon is a great singer and actor, which he shows in bucketful throughout this show: especially when playing the terrorist. Another returning face is Lucas Fox playing Sargent Powell amongst other characters. Fox is a delight to watch on stage as he understands his character and is able to portray them well (even if they’re singing about Twinkies). The final returning cast member from Space Hamlet (2024) is Elle Overvoorde playing Hannah Gruber. Overvoorde was brilliant as Gruber: showing a strong accent and acting skills throughout. George Page plays John McClaine and was really able to convey and capture the essence of what makes Die Hard a classic. His vocals were also very good!
Though all cast members were brilliant, the stand out performer was Charley Nash as Holly McClaine amongst others roles. Nash has the strongest vocals, singing her way through each song phenomenally. Her acting talents were very strong too, showing a clear care for the role!
Yippee-Ki-Yay! will continue to run at Norwich Puppet Theatre later this month. Book your tickets now!
Max
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