Buffy Revamped
The Lowry
Buffy Revamped is a one man show by Brendon Murphy that covers all 7 seasons of the cult classic Buffy The Vampire Slayer in just 70 minutes. With Murphy taking on the role of Spike, the exploits of The Slayer, the Scooby Gang, plus various bad guys are re-told.
We had no idea what to expect ahead of the show, but I (Jo) am a massive Buffy fan and re-watch the entire 7 seasons (The Body episode aside!) at least once a year. So wearing my finest Sunnydale High t-shirt, we went to The Lowry with a mix of trepidation and excitement. Andy isn’t the biggest Buffy fan, and definitely falls into the casual viewer category, so there was a fear that he wouldn’t enjoy it. We didn’t need to worry though, as this show was spectacular.
On entering the theatre, a simple set of red lockers, an altar and a bookcase were on the stage. At first glance they were nothing out of the ordinary, but as we sat waiting for the show to begin we realised that the set was jam packed full of Easter Eggs. We could have easily enjoyed an hour just spotting all the subtle hints about what was to come and discussing the details we found with our fellow audience members.
Then Murphy arrived on stage, dressed in Spike’s iconic look, channelling Billy Idol. James Marsters who portrayed Spike in the TV show gave the character a certain swagger and mannerisms which we weren’t sure could be replicated, but the movements by Murphy were stereotypical Spike; he even managed to get the slightly dodgy British accent perfect. In every way, Murphy was the embodiment of Spike. Though Spike is not the only character that Murphy plays.
As a one man show, Murphy morphs from character to character exaggerating elements of the characters to brilliant comedic effect. His Drusilla with googly eyes as a prop is outstanding, whilst his representation of Xander is so well thought out that he even dons an eye patch at the appropriate point in the show. Perhaps my favourite caricatures are Buffy and Willow with slightly ridiculous wigs, and Angel who is reduced to being a leather coat on a coat hanger. The transitions between characters are chaotic in the best possible way, creating some of the comedic elements of the show.
The actual show does as it promises and covers all 7 seasons in 70 minutes using songs, poems, slideshows and discussions about some of the shows more ridiculous plots (really, why does anyone go to The Bronze when there are so many deaths there?!?). Buffy Revamped doesn’t take itself too seriously and pokes fun at Buffy in a loving way. This is a perfect, witty tribute to the show, but also incorporates other 90’s nostalgia; instead of Clarissa Explains It All we have Anyanka Explains It All, and The Mayors graduation speech is remixed into a parody of Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen).
Every single season of Buffy is discussed within Buffy Revamped. The first season is covered in about 2 minutes, but as Murphy points out there’s no Spike in season 1 so what’s the point in covering it? The darker elements of Buffy aren’t ignored and are handled sensitively. Yes, even that Spike and Buffy moment from Season 6. This is something that could easily have been skipped over, but that would have been a great injustice so we’re pleased this was addressed.
Throughout the show, there is a huge amount of audience interaction, particularly if you are on the first couple of rows. If that isn’t for you, we’d recommend sitting a few rows back. Our favourite audience interaction came in the form of emergency stakes that had been given out. Some may call them chopsticks, but we’d prefer to call them an emergency Mr Pointy.
The show ends with a breathtaking version of REM’s It’s The End of The World, recapping the entire Buffy The Vampire Slayer show into one song. Absolute comedy gold, and a good old sing-a-long.
This is obviously a niche show. You do have to have at least watched Buffy to understand the jokes, but there’s enough for the casual Buffy viewer to enjoy Revamped as well as the Buffy aficionados.
Brendon Murphy clearly loves Buffy, and has totally done the show justice with his 70 minute revamped version. We would have given the show 5 stars just for Murphy confirming Dawn as the most annoying character in the show, but in all honesty this is essential theatre for anyone who grew up watching Buffy.
Buffy Revamped is touring the UK and will be at the Edinburgh Fringe. Full details are available on the Buffy Revamped website.
Grrr-argh!
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