In 1979, Ridley Scott’s Alien was an action-packed science fiction film that fascinated viewers. Similarly, in 2013 a bunch of wild and crazy British bus drivers turned it into a low-cost stage performance project. Their journey from being a failure at the village hall to becoming the darlings of London’s West End is what this quirky and adorable documentary is about.
With respect to the pertinent information shared on this family pantomime or fairy tales, this usually occurs in Dorset as part of annual charity fundraising event by amateur dramatics company made up of bus drivers (with some supervisors and engineers). Nevertheless, all that changed when one aspiring screenwriter suggested remaking one of his most cherished movies in history. The same name “Alien on Stage” became a family affair with his father directing it, brother managing its production process while costumes were made by girl friend. The role of Ripley was played by the mother whereas most parts were given to her peers who seemed more interested in eating donuts during rehearsals than learning their lines. However, they are committed to giving their best on that stage even if only twenty people come for the opening night.
That could have been ‘that’ except for two women filmmakers Lucy Harvey and Danielle Kummer who thought that this diamond in rough needed a little more attention before it could ever shine like it should! They became champions not only for an underdog show but also chroniclers for its progress throughout time. In conclusion, this movie unabashedly celebrates these determined though charming Dorset Bus Drivers’ grand hopes. This introduces them through interviews conducted within buses and crowded offices where they work as amateur actors.
Conversely, comparison between rehearsal room’s vastness as well as freedom becomes clear. These stories tell us how mad this idea was conceived and how they connect to Alien or do not care either way with blue collar accents and eyes twinkling mischievously.Of course, they’re all friends in this tight-knit group of people who speak with the frankness that usually accompanies a few pints. However, this is a close group. So, even if they were to joke about themselves, it is unlikely they will say anything negative against anyone else. Rather, such thoughts are quickly dispelled by an embarrassed cough or flicker of the hand.
The warmth and whimsicality of its cast and creative family crew aside, it is a surprising scene-stealing role for an engineer turned special effects master, Pete. It’s up to him to make low budget versions of the facehugger, chestburster, and Xenomorph that would still be worthy of Ridley Scott. Pete comes forward with a shy smile and grey hair shake that shows how he used common household items as building materials for his creatures; he is happy to say that YouTube tutorials and cosplay forums played a significant part in making them. Smartly enough, the second act only teases “how well” these menacing marionettes might work on stage. A jaunty montage of rehearsal fails brews an exciting tension, sparking the nerve-rattling hope that it’ll all click on the night!
“How can such a small theatre company bring Alien to life?” This is the hook for Alien on Stage –the sheer audacity of this idea draws us in completely. The documentary takes us through their journey as well. However, Harvey and Kummer take the long way around so we can get to know these amazing artistic people better. They are fun-loving people who are vivacious representatives of community theater joy. It is amazing being invited backstage as part of their group. We’re sitting on pins and needles by the time their big night in London reaches its climax because we want them to break a leg!
My one critique about Alien on Stage is that Harvey and Kummer do not fully explore what this show –and its success—the latter means. Some cast interviews indicate that some actors believe it could be their ticket into show business while others see it merely as fun time activity with friends Nothing about what’s at stake here when they blow it in London? Without even acknowledging this fact those become pretty low stakes indeed.
Neither does anyone question why hip crowds from all over London packed out this one-night-only show, and what they meant by their cheers and laughter. Are they savoring how these blue-collar workers provide a new realism to the spaceship’s crew? Is this just because a flat rejoinder about some possible disaster is aptly suited to the malaise of an annoying work day? Or else are they laughing at it – not in genuine appreciation – but in scornful enjoyment? The only thing that is presented is a fast montage of post-play reactions and Twitter responses; it feels frustratingly vague and shallow.
Summary
Being a lover of theater who desires the reopening of playhouses, an Alien enthusiast who desires to develop his or her own Alien, a cosplayer who wants Comic-Con to come back and maybe a sci-fi fan with visions of creating their very own Alien – all these people must see this show. Harvey and Kummer are fans who fell hard for this unique production; therefore they decided to make it their passion project and let everyone else know about it. It did not indulge in potential failure dramatics or perhaps snarky hipster takes, possibly because they are staying true to the principles of their central troupe. However, I would have liked more involvement from the directors and their fascination in terms of plot development since when one weird dream becomes bigger than just being a family project, community event or just another special night’s show? The documentary seems like it could unearth some deeper truth on creativity, community and fandom but never gets over that hump to a brilliant climax. Despite this fact, Alien on Stage is bursting at the seams with character, warmth and laughter thus making it an absolute pleasure.
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