Review: EXPÖSED, Lion & Unicorn Theatre

Photo credit: Linda Crisafulli

EXPÖSED is a whirlwind tour of heightened camp comedy, re-inventing the well-known tale The Emperor's New Clothes to thrilling new extremes. Set in modern day Germany, get ready for fabulous runways, crazy costumes, mischievous multi-roling and dazzlingly daft dance routines in this eventful one-act journey of a show that is dripping in couture.

Baby Lamb Productions brings this high-energy production to the stage with a strong team-led attitude for the tight knit cast of six with camaraderie at its core. EXPÖSED is purely a surface-level silly sort of show, there is no deeper meaning – the plot is highly predictable but the laughter is simply contagious through the crowd. EXPÖSED’s script is collaborative and company-led, packed with puns, one-liners, and a catchy playlist that builds up the hype during pre-show and between scenes.

Hannah McLeod both directs and stars in the show, delivering farce throughout, whether that be through over the top jungle impressions, the bossy Brie in the con-man double-act, or as assistant Alexa who may or may not be a robot! McLeod is funny to the core and certainly knows how to win over an audience, regardless of the characterisation, switching sharply between accent and mannerisms. Her direction is sharp and witty, fusing the different energies of her cast members from deadpan to dream sequence dancer so the humour of the script is always at the forefront.

The non-sensical and bizarre elements of the play bring plenty of light-hearted laughter. Nothing about the play is serious, and the buzz clearly radiates throughout the cast members and crowd alike during passionate dance sequences and larger than life line delivery in an array of accents (some more convincing than others). 

EXPÖSED starts and ends with exceedingly high energy through opening and closing with a fashion show sequence. These scenes are designed to surprise audiences and entrance us with giggles and twists through costumes both startling and stylish, and the occasional obligated audience participation that draws us into the heart of the fashion farce.

If you are looking for a light-hearted night of laughter tucked up in a cosy corner of London, this is the show for you. 

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Heidi Downing

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