Jumping the Shark - Review
Jumping the Shark Review at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent
For anyone that hasn’t heard of the phrase ‘Jumping the Shark’ it is referred to by script writers, to describe the fear of a popular tv show goes from amazing to bombing literally over-night, due to a stupid, unrealistic plot, leaving the viewers not happy at all.
It comes from a moment, back in the 80’s, when an American, (very) popular, funny and slightly cool tv show, showed one of the main cast water ski-ing and jumped over a shark! … The viewers were not impressed at all and the ratings dramatically went down fast. … A script writer’s worst nightmare!
The setting is based in a bland hotel room where five wanna-be comedy writers assemble for a weekend seminar with Frank Donahue, one of the best sitcom writers of his generation.
The five are various ages and characters which become all too apparent as the story unfolds. The references by Frank to well-known sitcom phrases is very clever and very well put together.
The laughs really get going in the second half as they each have to perform a scene from a sitcom they have written overnight as per Franks instructions.
Please note, ‘Jumping the Shark’ is not a play for young ears and is very much for adults!
I particularly liked Sarah Moyle as Pam and especially her quick turn of accents and characters. The back story of two of the characters give a very poignant twist at the end!
The Orchard theatre in Dartford, Kent, is one of our favourite venues with friendly staff, excellent productions and always a good view of the stage, so would definitely advise keeping an eye on what shows are coming to the lovely theatre.
To find out more information about The Orchard Theatre, or to see the amazing shows coming up, please go to The Orchard Theatre’s website here!
“A clever insight into a writers room, with some laugh out loud moments”
Jumping the Shark
From the writers of BBC hits My Family, Two Pints of Lager & A Packet of Crisps
A new comedy by David Cantor & Michael Kingsbury
Starring: David Schaal (The Office, The Inbetweeners), Harry Visinoni (Coronation Street), Sarah Moyle (BBC’s Doctors) and Jasmine Armfield (EastEnders),
is a celebration of the sitcom and its place in our hearts.