Review: The Fit Prince at Tobacco Factory Theatres

Hands down one of the best pieces of theatre in Bristol this year

Well Bristol, if you missed it, you missed some of the best theatre performed in the city this year.

Awkward Productions were back in Bristol this week with their latest hit show The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here). It’s more commonly known as The Fit Prince.

The show is a parody of Hallmark movies. These are typically rom-com films made for television. It’s feel-good storytelling, usually around someone who leaves the city for their small hometown and ultimately falls in love with someone local from their past. There’s sometimes singing, sometimes mild peril, but a guaranteed wholesome jaunt with a family friendly ending.

The exuberant Linus Karp and Joseph Martin of Awkward Productions run with the formula, turning it into a joyful romp.

If you’ve seen any Hallmark movies, you’ll recognise the formula immediately.

And if you’ve never seen a Hallmark movie in your life, it doesn’t even matter because it works perfectly as a stand-alone piece of theatre.

In typical Awkward Productions style, the audience is a big part of the show. There’s 16 parts in Fit Prince handed out to audience members who become the supporting cast. It’s a tried and tested formula that has grown in their shows over the years.

You could end up being attacked by Camilla Parker Bowles in Untrue Diana. You might be a shop assistant in Gwyneth Goes Skiing. In Fit Prince, you could be a horse, in a band or a shop customer. It’s a lot of good natured fun.

In this show, the King of Swedonia is dead. The Prince – Linus Karp – is next in line to the thrown, but if he does not marry soon, he will lose the crown.

Meanwhile, over in New York City, Aaron Butcher the baker, ends up with a commission from Swedonia. He must travel across the world to bake a wedding cake. Of course he bumps into the Prince as soon as he lands.

Will the Prince retain the throne? Will he overcome mild peril? Will he fall in love and marry?

There’s a slew of digital cast members, and it’s brilliant to see Geri Allen back with her fabulous performance of The Queen of England.

The show was on a winning streak from the start, but when the company moved into the BAAB scene featuring rewrites of ABBA’s biggest hits, it hands down made the show one of the best things to have been staged in Bristol this year.

It can’t be underestimated how important this beautifully queer theatre company is. They bring us consistently funny shows that are the perfect theatrical pop-culture. They are warm and inclusive with a strong sense of belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

You can find out more about Awkward Productions and their latest ticket and tour news here: https://www.instagram.com/awkwardprods/

The company is about to debut its brand new show Linus Karp Was Hit By An Umbrella. It’s based on a homophobic attack the theatre maker experienced in London. It brings together the events of the incident, the aftermath and stages the trial that never happened. The pair promised Bristol audiences that it would be another funny show. Can’t wait until they bring it to Bristol.

Cast and Creatives
Created by and Starring – Linus Karp & Joseph Martin
Original Music – Leland

Digital Cast
The Prime Minister of Swedonia – Tove Lo
Prince Balthazar of Bashington – Sebastian Croft
Prince Carsten of Markden – Malte Gårdinger
Simon, Jacob’s Fiancé – Joshua Whitehouse
Prince Laurie of New York City – Misia Butler
Michelle Obama – Yshee Black
Angela Merkel – Kate Butch
The Queen of England – Geri Allen
Princess Tonelia – Julia Bender
Gay Fan 3 -Max Lindsay
Orphans and BAAB Vocalist – Kate Marlais
BAAB Vocalist – Sam Carlyle

Music Producer – Gabe Lopez
Designer – Stella Backman
Lighting Designer – James Appleby
Composer and Sound Designer – Kate Marlais
Additional Costume – Zack Pinsent
Choreography – Sam Carlyle
Graphic Design – Alice Gorman
Additional Design – Wez Maddocks
Promo Photography – Dave Bird

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