Nathaniel Jones @ Underbelly Bristo Square
Nathaniel Jones recasts Noah's Ark as a fantastical cruise ship in an hour of maximalist fun
It’s pretty hard to devise an original concept at the Fringe, but here at a reimagined telling of a well-known biblical tale, with the ark recast as a cruise ship headed by a camp and beautiful Noah with long silver hair and boundless energy, things look promising.
Us animals have been taken in by Noah to set sail for a new world, leaving our wrecked and damaged one behind. We’re brought on board from our seats by giving suggestions of things we won’t miss from the old world, with audience members pointing out irksome foibles like customers asking for “extra hot lattes” in cafes and, of course, Donald Trump. Noah agrees; it’s time for us to go.
But there’s an alarming amount to follow in 2 BY 2. There’s Noah’s backstory; a man who is newly single and wounded by his throuple breakup. He’s also really into a cappella, and this bears an unfortunately large weighting in the show. Then there’s the voice of God, played by a highly jarring Mickey Mouse voice with whom Noah negotiates throughout. Maximalist and overstimulating, it’s fun most of the time, but the narrative gets lost among the chaos.
Some sections work, aided by Jones’s infectious personality. He is responsive to different audience members and incorporates their ideas into the show, keeping a high energy level throughout. An especially funny section where a pigeon throuple are refused entry to the boat unless one of them sacrifices themselves reminds us that there is clever writing here, hidden amongst the overuse of visual gimmicks and voiceovers.
There’s an energetic build up to a crescendo, with Noah spiralling into political commentary about how we should be grateful for the world that we have and look after it. Noah himself realises that community and togetherness are the most important things to build a better world (a clear nod to the harnessing powers of queer community). Again, the writing is witty, but after all that, you can’t help but feel a little exhausted.
Nathaniel Jones: 2 BY 2, Underbelly Bristo Square (Daisy), until 30 Aug (not 17), 8.45pm, £12-14