Created by comedian Brendan Murphy, whose last show FRIEND (The One With Gunther) recently won the award for Best Play in the World Wide Comedy Awards, Buffy ReVamped is currently touring the UK.
The show
In the 70-minute show, Murphy guides the audience through 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, through the eyes of the fan-favourite vampire, Spike.
Murphy has packed the show full of references to Buffy lore. Whether in dialogue (S6 musical episode Once More With Feeling was subtly referenced more than once) or in the set design (the background is littered with Buffy props, from Band Candy to a trophy from back in the very first season), there is plenty to please casual and die-hard fans.
The stakes are high
The writing is packed with one-liners and quips, and while not every one lands – “Buffy’s coming home” (to the tune of “Football’s coming home) failed to garner any laughs from a Scottish audience – most of them do and the audience seemed to agree.
Audience interaction is also encouraged through “emergency stakes” to hold in the air and chant alongside Spike and a few audience members even had the chance to read aloud some lines or be given props to wear. Although, the emergency stakes (a pack of chopsticks with some branding) were only available in the first couple rows, meaning some may have felt left out and had to hold their hands in the air in replacement.
The performances
Brendan Murphy not only plays Spike, but parodies all the lead characters from Buffy. Xander and Riley, both controversial characters, were victim to plenty of teasing and in-jokes and his interpretation of Angel nodded to fan criticism of the Buffy/Angel age gap and the Angel spin-off show.
The performance is never boring – just when you think a sketch may be dragging on, you’re already into another and Murphy has a delightful, hyperactive charm, swapping characters within seconds.
Buffy ReVamped is a hilarious 70 minutes at the theatre, both paying homage and parodying the show fans love.
Buffy ReVamped is currently touring the UK. Tickets can be found here.
Featured Image Credit: Buffy ReVamped