Camp, comedic and apocalyptic with a stirring modern touch. Alex Bendall Robson delivers on his world premiere of ‘The Frogs: In Hell They Sing Showtunes’, now showing at the New Theatre.

Right off the bat, you know you are in for a form-bending treat, as Dionysus (Pat Mandziy), the god of theatre and wine and his vexed sidekick Xanthias (Eddy O’Leary), begin the play trying to think of jokes to tell the audience/Heracles and land on knock knock. This dynamic duo have a great commitment to character, and their portrayals juxtapose brilliantly together.

The play follows Dionysus and Xanthias on their journey to the underworld. ‘The world is on fire, people are dying. There’s war and plague and cuts to arts funding. It’ll take a bloody miracle to save humanity.’ In this apocalyptic world, Dionysus gets the idea to resurrect a dead playwright who will save humanity. What ensues is an entertaining and bleak journey, including an off-Broadway serenade by an ensemble of frogs. It was nice to see the cast work so effortlessly together and their commitment to ‘the bit’. Expect some lovely singing, the flute and lots of charisma. Pat Mandziy delivers a hilariously privileged and lascivious Dionysus that balances out well with the rest of the mixed bag of characters. Including: Axel Berecy’s dim-witted and obnoxious Heracles, James Robins' stark and captivating performance as the Porter, and Nicholas Starte’s sardonic Hades. Holly Nesbitt's lighting design helps create the differing atmospheric modes throughout the piece, as well as sound design by David Wilson that builds dramatic effect, allowing the moments of silence to pay off.

This play will sweep you up in its fabulously curated comedy that oddly uplifts the dire truths of modern society.