When I heard a musical based on the 80’s classic comic book Bananaman was coming to London I just had to go! I grew up watching the cartoon series on TV, as well as being a member of the Beano fan club (yes really!). I even had a Bananaman poster on my wall at University because I was just oh so quirky. Clearly I wasn’t the only one for a love of this scrawny teen turned banana-loving superhero as I was soon to find out.
The storyline of this production fits into the usual Bananaman parameters, we follow nerdy Eric on his quest to save the world and get the girl, all with the aid of a banana! Despite the fact that I am not sure how many children these days even know who Bananaman is, this musical could become the definition of a fun family show, there is something for almost everyone.
This camp and slightly meta production has its tongue planted firmly in its cheek throughout and it is this pitching that makes the show so enjoyable. What is lacks in production values it more than makes up for with the fantastically talented cast. In particular Marc Pickering in the roll of Doctor Gloom proves to be a real scene stealer!
Check your ego at the door and you will find there is a lot to love in this musical. It pitches the retro comic book humour perfectly, even if that does includes the kind of joke that often comes with a groan. It’s a musical that does not take itself seriously and as long as you don’t either you will find yourself laughing and tapping along to this fun loving show. Beat the January blues and head to the Southwark Playhouse to catch the show before it flies away on the 20th of January.
*I was invited to see this show in exchange for a review, all words and opinions are honest and my own.
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