No surprise that an enthusiastic review from Peep Show's David Mitchell proudly adorns posters for this show. The sitcom was clearly a defining influence.
Michael is a morose slacker obsessed by pop culture and unable, or unwilling, to find a job, while Jonathan is his slightly pompous flatmate. Never straying far from the sofa they have long conversations about relationships, film heroes and inappropriate behaviour. Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, it lacks Peep Show's subtlety, tending instead towards the self-consciously clever-clever. Michael in particular is so laden down with verbose witticisms it's difficult to see him as anything more than a vehicle. Both men also overact the parts, which doesn't sit comfortably with the play's naturalistic stylings.
But there is definite potential here and the script throws up enough funny lines to keep it engaging. With a quieter confidence and less showboating, Heroes And Villains would be competition instead of mere imitation.
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