Murder Incorporated is a rib-tickling revival from Mayhem Theatre Australia, following the exploits of two newly minted assassins who lied about their criminal credentials to pocket a paycheck, and the hijinks ensuing when their deceit is detected and they are forced to accept an ultimatum.
This fast-paced farce is written and directed by Amanda Harrison, an award-winning comedic playwright, who employs clever wordplay and frequently breaks the fourth wall with meta commentary and intentional production ‘mistakes’, in a true comedy of errors. While light-hearted, this comedy is carefully crafted; I especially enjoy how the show’s pacing and audience’s perspectives are manipulated in creative ways for a heightened, dizzying, almost drunken effect – which is enhanced on my account due to mild oxygen deprivation from laughing so much.
The engaging ensemble cast each make their own colourful contribution; Sean Wilson struts his stuff as Sacha Von Stabbington, a role he reprises from the original production. Wilson has excellent comedic instincts, and posture for parody. Stephanie Collins is a delight as Chad Der Villian, showing fine characterisation and range, as a performer also known for playing ingénue roles in musical theatre. As an aside to the main narrative, Collins gives us a couple of bars of Schubert, which are sensational. Wilson and Collins show nice connection and synchronicity together, with sharply timed delivery and natural interplay.
Sam Hoepner brings commanding voice, bearing, and some brut as Markus Murder Jr, which lend well to his characters slightly inept villainy, nicely embodying both the sinister and slapstick. In the Swing Role, Dylan Clevens is hilarious, assuming multiple personas with fierce physicality and deft adaptability, while Ridley Paulsen is well utilised as the Stagehand, self-deprecating and wryly humorous, while taking on the very practical role of keeping the ‘splatter zone’ protected for cast and audience alike.
Mention is also due to Gaige Harrison, for his creditable work in stage and tech management.
In conclusion, Murder Incorporated is a successful spoof that comically creates an unpretentious and intoxicating theatre experience. The play’s sensibility is silliness, but it is done in the absolute best way; I do not remember the last time I laughed so much, a response reflected by the audience members around me. While the Pip Theatre Studio’s columns cause minor sightline obstructions, the compact venue was an otherwise effective space that added immediacy and helped to highlight the madcap and chaotic tenor of the tale, which is itself an unfailingly entertaining and giddy good time. Highly Recommended.
To book tickets to Murder Incorporated , please visit https://piptheatre.org/murder-incorporated/.
