Review: THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, Riverside Studios
Photo credit: Jason Ardizzone
Don't panic, but this immersive experience of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy may just send you into space with how breathtakingly transportive it is. The craftsmanship to transform the Riverside Studios into various different yet believable areas to guide you through this journey is something that demands to be seen, and then applauded.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a planet-hopping odyssey focusing on Arthur Dent and his quest to reunite with his true love - Fenchurch - whilst also navigating the destruction of planet Earth. Yet fear not, if you're unfamiliar with Douglas Adams' source material then the performers will soon help you understand the world you're stepping into. And they do it with ease. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the five novels, or a newbie, there is something for everyone to be had at the Riverside Studios. Within minutes, the audience is welcomed into the Horse and Groom by a talented team of actors who are brimming with confidence and spontaneity.
The manner of which the story advances seamlessly from one area to another is a sight to behold. A sharp 90-minutes is all that's needed to go all the way around space with a crew of the wackiest and wildest captains steering the ship. The cast is remarkably committed to their individual characters, knowing inside and out every aspect of their arc in order to interact with the audience.
Every individual experience will be different, which makes this type of theatre feel so special. As you move around the set, you have various conversations with the performers. Not one singular experience will be the same, some interactions will not happen, and some elements will never be explored, this is the uniqueness of immersive theatre.
Whether you choose to throw yourself into the action, sip on a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster and get truly stuck into Arthur and Fenchurch’s story or choose to sit back and merely be a spectator, that choice is yours. The tone is wonderfully silly, a show that knows exactly what it wants to be and never stops keeping the momentum going. The skilled cast features an array of singers, actors, dancers and even puppeteers who deftly showcase their talents whilst never detracting from the main story.
Not only is there a fantastic live-action cast, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy features a range of pre-recorded material featuring Tamsin Grieg and Sanjeev Bhaskar to name but two. These intersections are cleverly spliced into the action unfolding around us to reiterate the sci-fi elements of the show. Clever visuals help keep the audience in the loop regarding the jargon and different worlds they are entering.
Special praise must be given to the production designer and co-creator Jason Ardizzone-West; the amount of care that goes into the set is fantastic. Each room entered feels not only otherworldly but separate from the previous. From a traditional English pub to a space ship, finer details help transport you to Douglas Adams' creative landscape.
The whole thing could be overwhelming, however, the actors put you at ease almost immediately. They remember names and faces and callback to them throughout the evening, helping create a welcoming enviroment. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a wildly entertaining evening that will leave you happy you made the trip across the galaxy, or the tube to get there.
A spellbinding story, transformative sets and dedicated performances help to make The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy a thoroughly entertaining experience that is not to be missed.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe
