(4 / 5)

I think it’s safe to say that Awkward Prods have become somewhat of a favourite and clearly have a loyal cult following. Known for their comedy work, Linus Karp and Joseph Martin have brought hilarious satirical productions related to Princess Diana’s life, Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial and a take on hallmark royal Christmas rom-com movies.

This time around, however, they’ve decided to get a little closer to home. Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella is, well, what it says on the tin … to some degree. A few years ago, Karp suffered an unprovoked hate-crime attack on a street in Soho in daylight. This production tells this story, with Karp and Martin’s injection of humour along the way and ends with a deep message of support for anyone who experiences such atrocious acts.

It might seem minimal, with the seriousness of the topic, but early doors, I wanted to comment on the staging. Beautiful black and white outlines of notable places in Soho and in the story decorate the background like a skyline outline. It helps set the scene but, in themselves, their artistry is exquisite. The production continues with minimal props, only those that are important, and in the quintessential style of Awkward Prods with the use of screens where images and prompts for audience participants are visible throughout.

Of course, audience participation is a must. Not as involved as previous productions, but from their seats with prompts. This is a great choice as it feels right for the focus to be on Karp and their storytelling. They change it up at one point to bring a singular person on stage but, in the context, this again feels very appropriate and needed for the focus of that moment.

Karp has a way about them that is familiar, welcoming and friendly. While a big audience, we feel included like a friend being told their story and moments of disbelief make you genuinely gasp in shock, like you would over a coffee with a friend telling you the same story. I wanted desperately to hug them and also applaud them and Martin on this experience and for the strong(er) people they have come out as from it. But they don’t forget the humour; Karp is very witty and there’s injections of this humour, quick to improvise at moments such as a phone going off or a left open door, and again, this is friendly but also genuinely funny. What’s the most impressive is that this doesn’t detract once from the seriousness of the story or undermining the overall message. It compliments it so well and is perfectly balanced.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella is a unique, powerful and important piece of storytelling theatre, with the right amount of comedy and allows you to leave as supportive new friends to Karp and Martin.