Ten American students do a country and western retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and John. It’s exactly as you might expect: heavy on simplistic, doctrinal religion; light on the ability to laugh at itself. The cast are undoubtedly talented singers, with the stand-out performer being Jasse Camacho-Vera, whose mischievousness injects some much-needed humour into the proceedings. Unfortunately, the production too often falls flat. The most interesting aspects are railroaded over in favour of Harry Chapin’s banal songs (‘There Ain’t No Busy Signal On The Hotline To God’, anyone?). That said, if you’ve ever harboured a burning desire to see ‘Glee Do Bible Stories’, you’ll love ‘Cotton Patch Gospel’; otherwise, it’s probably best avoided.

theSpace at Venue 45, 8 – 12 Aug (not 9), times vary, £5.00, fpp227.
tw rating 2/5
[eb]

Sections: by Ellie Blow - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: International Collegiate Theatre Festival, Space Venues

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