REVIEW: Bob the Russian @ Footlights Theatre, Salford

****

Based around the 2018 World Cup, Bob the Russian is a timely, hilarious reminder of the dark corners of societies we might choose to look away from. The central Bob begins the show with a flashback, explaining how he put together a crack team to pull off a huge heist in the middle of the World Cup final.

With a superb ensemble, a laser point script and a great sense of physicality, the team behind Bob the Russian should be immensely proud of the dynamic, colourful show they have produced.

The plot does seem to bury itself in slightly needless diversions, but as writer/director Mike Dickinson pays homage to the tropes of espionage and heist flicks at every possible moment, not a minute goes by without a laugh.

That is, except, for a couple of surprising and genuinely touching moments in the second act. Keep your eyes on the Russian mafia boss Friend Zain, played by Thomas Galashan, whose performance is at various points menacing, hilarious and shockingly sentimental.

Adam Nicholls gives a great showing as the definitive English lad/hack magician, Lyles Larue. Nicholls schtick fails to get old, despite a running gag that’s continued throughout the entire show. Whilst one sequence involving a David Blaine esque water bottle trick does drag on slightly; this showing was a preview and the concept itself is funny enough to justify its inclusion.

The rest of Bob’s cunning bank-rob squad include Child (Dan Hubbard). Inhaler (Callum Forbes), Demon (Liam Powell Berry) and Rita (Laura Connolly). This rag-tag squad of code-named characters brought together for a task recalled heavily Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, but to great effect. As in Wright’s film, each of these characters is etched out strongly enough to be believable, even in their sometimes-over-the-top portrayals.

Each character has a moment to shine, but one of the real highlights of the show is the choreography. Whether it’s Connolly throwing herself around the stage to great, realistic effect during fight scenes or the lads football fan swagger, each of the cast moves perfectly.

Overall, Bob is set to be another great success for the young company and is sure to delight audiences at the timely Edinburgh Fringe this summer, where it takes place during the World Cup itself. The character moments, quick fire gags and THAT plot twist are sure to keep watchers talking about this one well after leaving the theatre.

#naughtycorner #theatre #comedy #salford