Indiana Jones: The funniest 48 hour yet

The crowded audience nervously waited for what was possibly the most ambitious 48 hour attempted by Watch This: Indiana Jones.

Last Sunday, the atmosphere was tense as everyone waited in anticipation, wondering if it could beat their last attempt.

Written and directed by Max Carroll-Smith, aided by Oliver Corrigan and Jordan Chilvers, the hilarious script was truly bought to life by the phenomenal cast. Without their energetic performances in scenes such as the Nazi musical number “Read Mein Kampf” to the tune of Beauty and the Beast’s “Be Our Guest”, and their ability to maintain character the entire way through, this production would not have been the success it was: even if they did make a couple of mistakes.

It was hilarious

Sam Forbes displayed an excellent performance as George Lucas, the flamboyant narrator of the 48 hour and creator of the franchise, contrasting with the smouldering, sarcastic Indiana Jones, played by Ciaran Cresswell.

Special consideration should also be taken to the versatility of the actors, such as Tom Ling’s transformation from Chicago Cop, to Creme Egg-choking monkey, and then to an extremely camp German dancer. There was also Mike Howie’s switch from the character of Short Round to Major Arnold Toht.

And, of course, there is no forgetting the fabulous impressions of a variety of well known characters and celebrities flaunted throughout the production: from Sean Connery and Shia LaBoeuf, to Jeremy Kyle and Nigel Farage (sitting in a pub, of course).

While the set was relatively simple, the production made good use of the underground’s space in order to show Indie’s journey. The cast’s use of props, such as a red blanket to represent fire and a cardboard Green Screen, overcame some of the barriers formed by attempting such a demanding production.

The lighting display was used well to create the adventurous atmosphere, generally maintaining a natural light throughout. For certain scenes, such as the infamous fire in the bar, red light was used to represent the violence of that moment.

One thing that was particularly noticeable about the production, was the variety of costumes. The Nazis wore their sharp suits with red arm bands, and the monkey wore a furry gilet and velvet trousers. The cast seemed professional in terms of characterisation, and in very little time, used costume to convey their characters very effectively.

Poking fun at plot holes, student-related issues (namely the students complaining they pay £9,000 a year, and Indie not turning up to their classes), and many a cardboard-related gag, this 48 hour can be proud of its production efforts.

For the best part of 2015, the Guild has seen two of the best and most hilarious 48 hour plays and we can’t wait for the next one.

Photography courtesy of Eleventh Frame Photography.