After a summer spent following the glowing reviews of this show at Edinburgh, I had the pleasure of seeing it in December (perfect timing, obvs) in the atmospheric OFS Studio space. My Mother-in-law was babysitting, and before we went out I singularly failed to explain to her what the show was like. “It’s a one man show,” I began. “It’s part autobiographical love story, part homage to 1980s hit action movie Die Hard.”
It probably doesn’t help that my Mother-in-law is not a devotee of the Die Hard canon. Having raised two lively boys she’s no shrinking petal, but even explaining the title is complicated without the rest of the quote, and I don’t tend to say “Motherfucker” in front of her more than I can help.
On paper it is a collection of ideas that raises more questions than it answers. Like, how can one man and a teddy bear play so many parts in so many fight scenes? What other white vest has deserved an acting credit, and what washing powder do they use? How does the tall Englishman Richard Marsh conjure so effectively the inarticulate American heroism of Bruce Willis? How will he throw himself down lift shafts live on stage? And how is it all so very, very funny?
This is a Die Hard lover’s creation, and though Marsh pokes fun constantly at the plot holes, hero, Nakatomi corporation’s architectural choices, baddies (and their accents, and their hair), and his own budgetary constraints, the end result is not mockery but something very positive. The show makes you want to rewatch the film.
It helps that the film is also the starting point, sticking point, and potential saving grace of Marsh’s own relationship. He meets his lady on a Die Hard forum - how can true love not follow? Will their love of the film outlive their love for each other? Or the other way around? Which would be more devastating?
“Oh and one more thing,” I tell my Mother-in-law, “it’s all in verse”. For Marsh is not only an accomplished physical comedian, he is at heart a classical scholar and poet. His rhymes and rhythms are so easy and addictive I find myself thinking in its pattern for several days. Which is not something the film achieved.
The OFS are brilliant at spotting great shows before or after they’ve become Edinburgh hits. You have missed Yippee Ki Yay there, but you yet have the chance to see it in the gorgeous Kenton Theatre Henley (26th March) or Aylesbury Waterside (6th April). If I haven’t won you round, then watch the trailer on youtube and tell me this tender, rollicking, poetic, witty action romp isn’t for you!