-By Jamie Flowers
The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful is a feverish and outlandish love story with vampires, werewolves, a mummy and other supernatural spirits haunting the stage. Written by Charles Ludlam and directed by Victoria Rae Sook, this satire of several theatrical and film genres is perfect for spooky season. Ludlam interwove the fun of a campy B- horror movie with Victorian melodrama, farce, and the penny dreadful into a three act play with only two incredible actors playing a total of eight characters. Numerous sound cues, props, special effects and quick costume changes allow the audience to feel as if they are part of a grand production in the intimate 300-seat theater.
The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful stars the very talented Chris French and Charles Osbourne- you can read our Q&A about the show and their roles here.
Interestingly, in order to get a license to put on a production of The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful the show requires that both actors be the same sex. Chris French was recently seen in Bristol Riverside Theater’s production of Cabaret and the national tour and off-Broadway sensation The Play That Goes Wrong. With many credits under his belt, he does an amazing job with numerous costume changes (sometimes even on stage) and character switches. Charles Osborne is an award-winning actor, comedian and writer with more than 600,000 social media followers and featured in content for Beyonce, NSYNC, Paramount Pictures and more. His comedic timing and dance skills take this play to the next level.
The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful wouldn’t be possible without the talent and enthusiasm of Victoria Rae Sook as the Director, Jason Simms as the Scenic Designer, Linda B. Stockton as the Costume Designer, Conor Mulligan as the Lighting Designer, Ryk Lewis as the Sound Designer, J. Oliver Donahue at the Fight Director, Amy Massari as the Production Stage Manager/ Fight Captain and Charlie Mooz as the Assistant Stage Manager. They all did a fantastic job making The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful a rollicking, quirky and creative show endlessly entertaining until the curtain came down!
For those of you who haven’t been to the Bristol Riverside Theatre, you are in for a real treat. The theater itself is beautiful and nestled into the quaint village of Bristol with many bars and restaurants around for before or after show refreshments. The theater itself is perfect because every seat has an excellent view of the stage. Make sure to get your tickets before it’s too late!
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