An absurd corporate comedy where the end of the world is just another day at the office, Stressful Emergency Situation has finished its run as part of the Camden Fringe.
The Dinner Ladies Collective has presented its comedy show Stressful Emergency Situation at the Etcetera Theatre. Written by Beri Kahane, Deirbhile Cunningham, Rosie Grace, and Kitty Seth-Smith. The show was directed by Grace and produced by Kahane.
Stressful Emergency Situation takes characters that you may find in an office (or in The Office) and twists them until taking them to absurd extremes. This approach works particularly well, as it highlights just how bizarre an office environment can be, while exploring the often complicated dynamics between co-workers.
This play was originally written with a five-person cast in mind, but the script was later adapted to work with four actors instead. The resulting script worked well and it does not feel like the show is incomplete in any way. The four-person cast is comprised of the show’s four creators: Kahane, Cunningham, Grace, and Seth-Smith play Linda, Sarah, Margaret, and Angie, respectively.
The dynamics between the four characters make it obvious that the cast is having fun, and the chemistry between them is also quite clear. While the whole cast did a great job, Grace and Seth-Smith are standouts. They bring plenty of laughs, but by using different resources. Grace’s performance is based on someone trying to rationalise the mayhem that is unfolding around her, while Seth-Smith’s portrayal of Angie embraces physical comedy and increasingly deranged lines effectively.
Each of the show’s characters receive well-crafted backstories, which add significant depth to the story, while never straying far from its comedy or absurdity. The open-ending works well within the context of the play, as it feels appropriate for a story that descends into chaos from the very beginning.
We attended Stressful Emergency Situation on its last performance as part of the Camden Fringe. We wish the cast and creatives all the best in the future.
Complimentary tickets were provided.
Gonzalo
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