Ad – gifted tickets – all views are my own
When you’re asked to name some notable characters from Stoke-on-Trent, the likes of Robbie Williams or Slash jump out if you’re musically inclined, or perhaps Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin and Sir Stanley Matthews if you’re a footie fan, in the same way you might name the historic heroes like Sir Reginald Mitchell or Josiah Wedgwood. Well, there’s another name you can add to that list, a man who has become something of an institution in Staffordshire, and that man is Eric.
New Vic regulars will already know Eric – he’s the character brought to life twice a year by David Graham to recreate comic renditions of popular culture’s films, shows and stories. And this summer, as the familiar franchise approaches its 25th anniversary, Eric has become embroiled in a comedy crime caper as Eric’s Italian Job rolls into the theatre-in-the-round.
I must admit, this was my first ever Eric production. I’d never got round to seeing one before, so I was excited to see what brought people back time and time again. This August, his sensational 60s musical takes inspiration from the 1969 movie The Italian Job – another I’ve not seen, though did know the general gist of. Uncultured of me, I know. I’ve not seen Fight Club or Pulp Fiction, either.
As the lights went up, Eric cracked a smile as the crowd roared without him even having spoken a word. It’s so clear that David Graham is adored by New Vic theatre goers and has become part of the fixtures and fittings of the place. He’s well-loved, that’s for sure. From the off it was a barrel of laughs as the non-stop jokes came thick and fast – some old, some new, some in jokes for the regulars, but all delivered with impeccable comic timing that would leave the audience in stitches whether it was your first time or your tenth.
The story kicks off with Eric, played with comedic flair, getting his big break – an opportunity to DJ at a disco in Leighton Buzzard. However, fate has other plans for him, as his van’s untimely breakdown lands him right in the midst of the Great Train Robbery. Here starts a cascade of mishaps, as Scotland Yard ropes him in to identify the escaped train robbers who are now plotting a bank heist in Turin. With an utterly inept police officer in tow, and Eric’s knack for stumbling into comedic chaos, the stage is set for a riotous pursuit full of hilarious missteps.
But the laughter doesn’t stand alone; it’s coupled with a selection of iconic hits from the 1960s. Between the panto-esque gags and audiences more than willing participation, the talented cast performed a number of hits from the bygone era, including the likes of The Wanderer, Money (That’s What I Want) – or the ‘Brassic theme tune’ to the young ‘uns – and Waterloo Sunset. The female cast members, Georgia Gagen as ‘Julia’, and Carly Cook as ‘Olivia’ were particularly impressive with their phenomenal vocal ability, while the gents also took turns in singing tracks, each one of them bringing a fresh dynamic or style to the spotlight.
While this Italian Job may not have Minis racing up and down steps, a bus hanging off the edge of a mountain or incredible Alpine scenery, what it does offer is a whole heap of great 60s hits and a helluva lot of laughs which, let’s face it, is a fair swap. The camaraderie and chemistry between the cast members is infectious, and now having finally seen an Eric production, I can see why people can’t stop coming back. It’s utterly addictive and I truly feel as though I’ve been initiated into a private member’s club. As a newfound fan of Eric, I feel like I am now part of the phenomenon, and must keep the spirit going by returning twice a year like a biannual ritual, bringing more and more people to join in the fun each time.
With Eric’s Italian Job, David Graham has displayed his knack for crafting an interactive experience that blurs the line between stage and audience, and it’s nothing short of a joy to see firsthand. Marrying 60s musical favourites with uproarious laughter, the team has proven that sometimes the most entertaining shows are those that simply aim to tickle the funny bone, remaining playful, lighthearted and timeless.
Eric’s Italian Job concludes with a foot-stomping finale that has the entire audience singing and dancing along, saving the very best tracks until last. So, if you’re seeking an evening of carefree laughter, toe-tapping tunes, and a fondly familiar plot, be sure to catch Eric’s Italian Job at The New Vic before Saturday, September 2. It would be a crime to miss it.
And if you simply can’t get enough of Eric, his festive production of Eric’s Pride and Prejudice is on sale now from £23.
Read more:
- Claybody Theatre’s The Card brings to life Arnold Bennett’s comic novel at New Vic Theatre
- Bouncers is a vision of British 80s nightlife as John Godber’s play comes to New Vic Theatre
- I’ve had the time of my life as Dirty Dancing returns to The Regent Theatre
