Guilty pleasure
Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy present a musical comedy about “debunking the myths” of the seven deadly sins. It is styled like a reality TV show exposé with two self-important presenters revealing each sin by documenting various subjects.
Admittedly, I anticipated not enjoying the show as easy theatre generally doesn’t sway me. Yet in 7 Deadly Sins, Bobbert and McIlroy tap into what appeals to the masses and they’re making it work. They have fun, make fun of themselves and of us, they use pop songs, they keep the vignettes snappy and uncomplicated. With an overt satirising of modern life they won me over despite knowing the theatre ‘elites’ will consider this pop theatre. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a little guilty pleasure with this showtime cabaret musical theatre.
Modern western society is given an interrogative look, and we laugh with recognition at the sad way of our world. In each vignette Bobbert and McIlroy channel caricatures and stereotypes to expose our wayward ways.
In ‘Pride’ the phenomenon of celebrity worshipping sportsmen, musicians and actors is shown for its ridiculousness. ‘Reality’ TV people who are famous just because they’re famous – madness!
‘Greed’ sees McIlroy playing a yuppie who speaks evangelically about the pursuit of success and wealth. Capitalism and consumerism – money is god.
Lust is given a slightly different treatment. Lust is a good thing. Lavidious Letch, a scholar, explains that lust liberated England from the papacy. Organised religion has always intertwined sex and immorality as a means to control believers. I think in 7 Deadly Sins this is the one ‘sin’ that’s given a naughty nod of approval.
In ‘Gluttony’ we encounter Toby, an obese man who does nothing but eat. Much of the world’s people starve whilst the privileged gorge daily on junk food or enjoy Woolies goodies. Our lifestyles of excess and selfishness is brought to light. The sloths in ‘Sloth’ are watching Toby on the reality show, themselves part of the exposé. But they are too apathetic to realise the gravity of the situation, and assuredly won’t ever do anything about it. Perhaps the most dangerous of the seven sins?
‘Envy’ sees two friends competing on Pilates balls for tight buns. A magnifying mirror is held up to the issue of magazine-made beauty standards. Our vanity causes gullibility in buying into the multi-billion ‘health’ and ‘beauty’ industry. “If it weren’t for envy no one would go to the gym”.
Finally, ‘Wrath’ sees McIlroy flexing his standup muscles as his character guides us in how to keep our “anger buckets” filled up. If you need your anger top-up try standing behind someone in the 10-only queue who has 18 items! The outrage! Keep yourself busy with meaningless nonsense lest you start “thinking and worrying” about the real injustices around the world.
Perhaps 7 Deadly Sins feels somewhat obvious in its depictions and execution. There’s nothing too complex to get to grips with, no subtle imagery, no layered metaphorical intrigue. It’s slick comic entertainment, self described in the programme as “escapist fun”. Yet the audience can walk away feeling something important about life has been gleaned.
– Sarah Roberson
7 Deadly Sins, written by Susan Monteregge and directed by Steven Stead, has two last shows tomorrow (04/10) @ 10.30 and 16.00. Click here for production info and bookings.
Previously crittered on Critter here.