So many productions can live or die on their technician’s ability and it’s safe to say that Lost Theatre should be forming a lynch mob around their lighting box. Not only is the soundtrack overly loud and distracting but key lighting cues are continually fluffed, ultimately detracting from an otherwise entertaining performance.
Admittedly the cast aren’t entirely above criticism, as all performances lack the polish that will undoubtedly come during the run, but it is clear that this glimpse into the highs and lows of poly drug culture is set upon a firm base.
Delving into today’s tired clubbing scene Disco King comes across as a mix of Human Traffic and The Streets but without the same panache. This is possibly a little harsh, as this is a fun, engaging romp, but the characters simply aren’t as crisp as Traffic’s comic creation and the lyricism falls far short of Mike Skinner’s infectious rhymes.
Despite the nagging feeling that you’ve seen this all before, Lost Theatre manage to convince you that they have done something new and attempt to try and pull you into their world of Es and whizz. Unfortunately this proves to be an impossible task, as the overpowering errors in light and sound spoil the illusion.
If they sack the tech, beef up the lights and invest in a live DJ Disco King could be a thing of wonder.
3/5
Richard Biggs
