Police Cops: The Musical
Ed Fringe 2023
-
Ed Fringe 2023 -
The first time I saw the Police Cops they were called The Pretend Men and they were in space, it was the second show they made I think, and it was in one of the smaller (though certainly not tiny) Assembly studios. Fast forward a few years and they’re a fringe staple, regularly selling out and spreading their (bald-eagle) wings into the realm of Musical Theatre.
It’s so obvious that the Police Cops are brilliant, as physical performers they are second to none, their timing is immaculate and their rapport with each other and the audience so slick that the US are invading them for the potential of oil. And the US is where we find ourselves, for the course of the 90 minute run time (with a few dips into Mexico here and there), as the Police Cops go through another tale of revenge.
With the Cops it’s never been the story you pay the money for, it’s the gags, the neat ideas, the one-man Mexican wrestling competitions (ingenious, by the way). Now though, it’s also the singing and the dancing. With the addition of two female cast members (who both take to the fast-pace, elastic-face style like ducks to water), the company have got a few bangers under their belt and some properly impressive routines. They subvert and pastiche tired MT cliches, whilst showcasing a genuine talent for the craft; clearly bolstered by the two new Police Cops (who I suspect have had a little more vocal training than the blokes). I’m sure this year will be another sellout for these gunslingers.
I’ll be completely honest, I’m not, nor was I ever, an MT kid. I’ve never seen Wicked or Cats and I don’t plan on it either, but I have seen Operation Mincemeat; the devised war-time show that went from a cult-hit to cementing a place amongst the big boring bastards of the West End. I think it’s probably safe to say that the Police Cops are hoping for something similar with their foray into the famously twee ‘tits n teeth’ genre. With a run secured at the Southwark Playhouse starting in September I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t eke out a spot for itself amongst the old giants too, and more power to them - it’s about time we gave innovative and original makers a chance on the biggest stages, I don’t doubt for a second that the Police Cops would bring in the same kind of crowds they pull every single night at the fringe.
Police Cops: The Musical is on at Assembly George Square Studios - Studio 1 on Aug 7-15, 17-22, 24-28 - tickets available here.
FOUR STARS
