Press for this production

Winner of Two Off West End Awards, Production & Design
Received a Standing Ovation Nomination from London Pub Theatres
Received an Assessors’ Choice from Off West End Awards

‘stylishly and imaginatively directed… Bannister’s production is gloriously tongue-in-cheek, very witty and often extremely funny!

Both actors are superbly believable and stylish in role… the crowning glory of the evening are Karl Swinyard’s set designs… a wonderfully inventive example of what can be achieved… This two-hour show is very entertaining, especially as staged here by a company that really knows what it is doing. Something that little bit different for live festive entertainment, hugely enjoyable… Very highly recommended!’ ★★★★★ London Theatre1

‘an evening of most enjoyable fun… Joe Newton plays Lord Edgar brilliantly, James Keningale is superlative…They both do a marvellous job of keeping in character with their rapid cross-over and quick changes nothing short of genius.

Both stimulate loud guffaws and shrieks of horror from the audience. The action pounds away at our heart-beats, romping through the events involving howling wolves, locked cells, silver bullets and bleeding pictures topped off with unexpected magic tricks.The play dates from 1984 and can be considered a camp classic; it deserves the outstanding performance given by the Jack Studio Theatre.’ ★★★★.5 Plays to See

‘a hilarious and enthralling farce, brought wonderfully to life by the multi-rolling duo of Joe Newton and James Keningale. This revival of Charles Ludlam’s 1984 satire is a hit for Jack Studio Theatre’s Christmas production.

The Mystery of Irma Vep is a great option for a festive outing that blends the aesthetics of gothic horror with the camp sensibilities of pantomime and is catalysed by excellent performances and lively directing.’ ★★★★  Spy in the Stalls  

‘This production is a casket full of fun and farce. The use of doors and the comedy timing are handled excellently by Kate Bannister’s direction… The brilliant sound cues and visual magic meant that not a moment was wasted in the narrative. The whole production shows what a great team can achieve when bringing laughter to our lives.‘ Southwark News

‘an elegant period set (with its own surprises) which gets dramatically lit by Laurel Marks’s lighting design that relishes its flashes of lightning and dusky gloominess, and Julian Starr’s sound design bursts with melodramatic thunder claps, or lurks in corners with creaking doors and mysterious clunks…

Newton and Keningale are each as good as the other; they channel composite black and white movie icons, take poses, send up accents and hit every comic beat for each of their characterisations, keeping you guessing as to which of the four knows where the bodies are buried. Bannister orchestrates the madcap action for maximum impact using timing, music and effects to deliver the tension and set up the comic business to guarantee gasps and laughter. Irresistible.’ British Theatre Guide

‘A perfect show for Christmas… under Kate Bannister’s typically sharp and pointed direction, both Newton and Keningale have a lot of fun, a lot of chemistry… two strong performances and ever-assured direction… Any horror show needs the right lighting and the right sound so kudos to Laurel Marks and Julian Starr whose work makes the stage seem ‘bigger’ somehow. I also noted and enjoyed the costumes from Martin J Robinson – spot on. So, the streak very much continues. Merry Christmas.’ ★★★★ London Pub Theatres

‘a real licence granted for us to laugh along on that deliciously transgressive cusp between horror and comedy…remarkable in its classy production values and illuminated by two pitch perfect performances.‘  ★★★★ Broadway World

‘The Jack’s Christmas show is always a wonderful alternative to the tinsel and tiaras of panto. This year’s revival of Charles Ludlam’s camp comic horror is a real rib tickler… Karl Swinyard’s atmospheric set immediately sets the tone for a gothic potboiler… Laurel Marks’ lighting and Julian Starr’s sound design are gloriously OTT as the supernatural shenanigans begin.

The humour is camp, silly and knowing, and full of references for movie and theatre buffs. Director Kate Bannister directs smoothly and skilfully… Slick and silly escapism with a supernatural twist, The Mystery of Irma Vep is an ideal ghost story for Christmas.’ ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

‘A wonderful funny penny dreadful play… Karl Swinyard has once again created a handsome set…The result is a splendid evening of mayhem, mystery and things that go bump in the night .‘ ★★★★ ReviewsGate

‘Newton and Keningale are highly accomplished actors who switch between characters swiftly and effortlessly never missing a beat… director Kate Bannister never lets the storyline slip or slow down.’ ★★★★ Theatre and Arts Reviews