By Mark Urso-Cale

Based on the popular videogame, Grand Theft Auto – Vice City, we are witness to it’s in game talk radio show, Vice City Public Radio. Now, if anyone had told me beforehand that I was going to the theatre to watch a play about a radio station broadcast, that is played as an in-game soundtrack, I would have probably declined. But very glad I didn’t.

An array of hysterical characters, in even more outlandish and stereotypical costumes, are introduced to discuss their points of view on topics ranging from local elections, positive thinking and the state of Vice City as a whole. The dialogue is taken direct from the game and if you have ever heard it, the stage adds a whole new dimension. Fans of the game and its soundtrack will love it and although they already know how the story goes, seeing a radio broadcast ‘performed’ gives it a little something. Even if you haven’t even heard of the game, there is no need to worry, as it’s all self-explanatory.

Staging a radio talk show isn’t an easy task either and there are all sorts of issues to consider, let alone the worry of having it static. This, I am pleased to say though, suffered none of that and there was plenty of movement and interaction. All characters were played to a tee and credit must go to them all, the director and costume department.

If the rest of the festival has as much originality, humour and performances, then we are in for a good one. You can catch it on Friday 11th in Abingdon and Tuesday 15th in Wallingford for their respective festivals.