A Wonderful Camp Romp Through 80s Pop-Culture

A brand new musical has landed from outer space and it's ready to take over planet earth! Ben Adams and Chris Wilkin's kooky coming of age comic book musical is lighting up The Other Palace for another month-long stint after its sell-out success earlier in the year, and a success it really is.

Now I must admit, I was a little apprehensive before heading out to see Eugenius!, with comic books, superheroes and 80's culture being something I'm not well versed in I was not sure what to expect with a musical where those three things are its selling point...But! As soon as the first song began to play my apprehensions flew out of the stage doors along with Evil Lord Hector's spaceship.

In what is essentially a 2 hour and 20-minute camp romp through 1980s pop culture, Eugenius! tells the story of Eugene (incredibly portrayed by Rob Houchen, a star in the making if I ever saw one), a small town geek who has big dreams for his self-made comic book Tough Man. When a Hollywood exec comes to town in search for the next movie blockbuster Eugene's best friends, Janey (played perfectly and stunningly sung by Laura Baldwin) and Feris (a hilarious and high octane Daniel Buckley), encourage him to go for it. Fast-forward two seconds (you'll get it when you see it) Eugene is amongst the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, but, it soon becomes obvious that not all is at it seems and Eugene must decide between fame and what is right.

Full of hilarious references including allusions to Indiana Jones, jokes about O.J Simpson and even some intelligent pointers toward the state, of (or lack of) gender equality between the sexes all making an appearance, Eugenius! will keep you laughing all night long. And let's not forget the, what can only be described as anthemic, 80s inspired soundtrack which will quite literally leave you singing all the way home - all tied up with a fantastic music video sequence that Madonna herself would be jealous of.

A love letter to the 80s and all the great and awful that came with it, Eugenius! manages to simultaneously poke fun and celebrate the decade that gave us Prince, Back To The Future and Harrison Ford, even the wonderful Les Mis gets a look in!

I challenge anyone to go and see Eugenius! and not enjoy themselves, because I assure you it's impossible. Gagging to get up on stage and join in I was gutted when, possibly the best night out I've had at the theatre for ages, came to an end. If you love comic books or even if you don't GO (SEE) EUGENIUS!

View our show pages for more information about Eugenius!, The Other Palace.