Steve Coogan is ‘Dr. Strangelove’ in a brand new theatre production of the classic film of the same name is a coup in casting, but the show doesn’t quite live up to expectations.
Coogan is a master as he also plays more characters and is utilised in this show to the nth degree, and he nails it.
From writer Armando Iannucci (‘Veep’) – along with Sean Foley, ‘Dr. Strangelove’ the play, based on the 1964 film, is about a U.S. General who is, comically, about to start WWIII with Russia.
Coogan is a hoot playing the kooky Dr. Strangelove and then also playing the U.S. President (of course not at the same time), and various members of the cast are quite good in their supporting roles. But something is off with the jokes – they are just not that funny and do not stick. The slapstick and tone of the show land and are understood, but the bits with John Hopkins as General Ripper are over the top, and cringingly not funny, and gives an ‘American Dad’ like vibe.
Me and my companion (a West End actress) could just muster a few chuckles during the show – there were no LOL moments, no real revelations, and the show doesn’t go out with a bang as it should in light of real world events (Ukraine and Russia, Trump) – all very relevant to the theme of this show . And there’s a monstrosity in the form of the front of an airplane on stage for a few short scenes that is too big and is an elephant in the room with no real purpose.
Coogan, as expected, is earning his pay check and this is a show for die hard Coogan fans, and that’s it.
Now playing until January 25, 2025