BASED on the largely unseen 1996 cult film by Trey Parker of South Park and Team America infamy, Cannibal! is a blast.
The show tells the true(ish) story of Alfred Packer, the only American ever to be convicted of cannibalism. As Packer stands tr
ial, he recounts what really happened on his journey in 1873 leading a group of gold prospectors to Colorado. This includes learning kung fu from a laconic Indian chief and encountering a Cyclops.
Parker's book is witty and his songs are marvellous – Let's Build A Snowman! and Hang The Bastard! are showstoppers.
Sadly, this production by the Rival Theatre Company is ramshackle. The stage is lit like a football field, the "sets" are basic and the staging is flat. The cast's enthusiasm largely disguises their shortcomings, although both Aimee Atkinson as Polly and Mensah Bediako as the Chief are excellent.
Undoubtedly Cannibal! will enjoy much bigger and better productions in years to come – in a decade it'll probably be filmed again and Parker will receive another songwriting Oscar nomination. This production may be rough and ready but you'll still leave with a big stupid grin on your face while singing the songs to yourself. What more could you ask for?
• Until 24 August. Today 11:15pm
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