Winter Is Coming

Winter Is Coming is a ludicrous take on the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. If you’re a GoT fan, then this show is a lot of fun. Created and performed by Backwards Anorak - otherwise known as Michelle Brasier, Vince Milesi, James Baker, Leo Milesi and Laura Frew - this strong cast takes us through their ideas and scenes for a Game of Thrones musical, competing for the best role (Daenerys Targaryen, obviously) and performing renditions inspired by the already pretty ridiculous plot of the television show. With unashamedly silly costumes and some (surprisingly) very strong singing voices among them, their mad energy can be truly hilarious.

With a Summer Heights High-style bitchy cast full of extreme thespians, this is a show that takes a tongue in cheek poke at theatre folk and musicals.

With a Summer Heights High-style bitchy cast full of extreme thespians, this is a show that takes a tongue in cheek poke at theatre folk and musicals. Vince Milesi stands out as a confident and often very funny performer, leading the ensemble through his wild demands and diva tantrums. Including some wild references, from the obvious Lannister versus Stark gags, to Narnia and Harry Potter, this is a show for the geeks in us.

Unfortunately there is a definite lull in the middle of the performance, and while the concept and the references are funny, by the end the whole thing grows a bit thin. Not all of their jokes work quite as well as they think they do, and though this cast runs a tight, upbeat show with some big laughs, they can be guilty of milking a joke further than it can go. It’s also a relatively niche idea (I know, I know, Game of Thrones is a crossover hit, but it’s not for everyone) and if you’re not au fait with the show, then this might all seem a bit too weird. But for the GoT fan club this is definitely worth a watch.