A Review of On the Nose Productions’ Immaculate

In a post Good Omens world, the iconic duo of devil and angel has been well established as one loved by audiences world wide. This perhaps adds pressure to something such as a performance of Immaculate; however, there is also the promise that this well known trope is one that is bound to attract audiences. In the case of the On the Nose production, this dynamic was perfectly captured by Leah Aspden’s Lucifer and Isaac Wighton’s Gabriel.

Stepping into the Pilch, I was struck by the extent of the set, with clutter strew across the stage and an interesting array of what appeared to be everyday items. It was perhaps the most extensive set that I have even seen in a black box theatre and coupled with the thrust staging immersed us into the space – as though they were in Mia’s sitting room rather than a theatre. Such an immersive atmosphere was increased by the presence of Aspden in the space before the show began. To the soundtrack of old familiar pop songs, she sat in the audience interacting with those entering, leaned against a pillar and at one point even sat on the lap of an audience member. There was no doubt the comedy genius of this, presenting Lucifer less as this malignant figure than as one who was sure to make you laugh in the performance to come.

In the style of a Greek play (or perhaps a sitcom episode) there were introductions to the acts, complete with appropriately allocated white and red torches, that had the audience laughing before the story has truly begun. When the action did start with Letty Hosie’s Mia bluntly explaining both the situation with her pregnancy and her profession, it was clear that this was a comedy that would promise endless entertainment. As God is just a very stubborn deity, it was one of his trusted archangels who came to deliver the message that the baby was one of theirs. Wighton’s Gabriel was a bustling and sweet character, who was just the messenger there to break the news of the paternity of Mia’s baby. However, that fussy stiff upper lip ‘just doing his job’ impression went above and beyond with his tea making and attempting the argue with Lucifer. Aspden was completely in her element, performing the character in a skilled way that highlighted how suited she was to the role. If you did not manage to see the show, I recommend watching the trailer, as it will establish these two characters as played in this production. To focus on these two eternal beings would, however, be a disservice, for anyone who can dance and act a character as embarrassing as Gary as confidently as Jo Rich did deserves a shout out. The character was without a doubt an energetic ball of awkward. Equally, Rebecca (played by Mille Deere) was a drama queen and each of the characters played by Aspden were unique.

The whole story is one of intense confusion, with many conflicting webs and claims of paternity, thus one of hilarious melodrama if played correctly – which this talented team of actors certainly achieved. Through recaps and the constant breaking of the fourth wall to point out things such as the presence of a flashback, the ridiculousness of the comedy was established. Ultimately, drama is a spectator sport and no one proved this better than Gabriel and Lucifer, who having staked their claims sat back with a bag of popcorn and let the chaos of Mia’s life ensue. These quiet moments of interaction drew the eye, even when the action was at its most heightened, for the two never failed to comment on what was taking place or seem engrossed in the story… or the equal sharing of popcorn. While a whole paragraph could be claimed by Lucifer’s complaints about being pushed out of heaven and staying out of people’s gardens, I will leave the divine double act there.

Whether a suitable conclusion was found to the dilemma of the baby’s allegiance is perhaps uncertain; however, the success of the show was absolutely certain. In matters of comedy, a reviewer can typically defer to their fellow audience members. In this case their reaction was clear to see throughout the show, being one of hysterical enjoyment. A talented group of actors took on this complicated web of storytelling and ensured that there was never a dull moment. From the set to the music choices to the insanity of the performance, it is clear that the directors had a clear vision and saw it through with obvious success.

Photograph by Olivia Cho, curtesy of On The Nose Productions