Esme Davis
Video games have long been a popular route of escapism, but really how different is the virtual world from the real one?
Jo, Bobby and Raff are sucked into a video game. ‘Jumanjid’, if you will. The three of them are given individual goals to achieve, their own ways to win. Joe is trying to get as rich as possible, he’s in it to succeed. Raff must find and work for a cause; her goal is to save the world. And Bobby is in explorer mode, his goal seems to be to find, well, a goal. As the three of them sing and dance through their dedicated paths, can they keep their friendships, and their morality, out of harm’s way?
Level Up! builds a clever and accurate metaphor for life and the systems we attempt to navigate within it. The goals aligned with each character fit nicely into three straightforward archetypes on the general attitudes people may have towards life: chasing success, fighting injustice, or taking life as it comes and not working towards anything specific. By placing these familiar mindsets into a video game, this show creates a playful metaphor where the strains, compatibility and inequalities between these positions can be compared. When the complexity of real life is stripped away, it puts genuine value and morality into an interesting perspective.
The musicality is one of the strongest elements of this show, both in terms of the energising sound design, and the nuance and depth to the lyrics. Several numbers adeptly describe complex political and social issues. They introduce the concept of bitcoin, the problems of carbon off-setting, and the reduction of people to numbers with slick, thoughtful storytelling. These songs have the audience completely on board, the smooth choreography and clear explanations create a well-balanced melody of story-driving information and exciting musical entertainment.
The concept of the show being set inside a video game adds another lively, effective element. Nostalgic pixelated graphics take centre stage on a video wall. These bring a movement and character to the set and help to keep you immersed in the world, whilst also frequently working to progress and clarify the story. The video design is satisfying, intentional and effective, but also has room to develop.
There was a need within the show for clearer, more integrated transitions. The scenes and songs were all so intentional, choreographed and technically thought through, it was a shame when a song or moment ended and the characters simply left the stage. There needed to be something here to break the tone of the last scene whilst still maintaining the energy, sleekness and characterisation. Instead, the harsh exits and entrances between scenes took you out the world and were slightly disorientating.
Level Up! creates a creative and original parallel between the online world and real life. It has enough references and side-plots to please the gamers in the audience, whilst still remaining accessible and enjoyable for anyone who stays well clear of cyber space. It’s a well paced, playful and insightful way of taking a step back and looking at the paths that are on offer in life.
Striking the right balance between introspective exploration and some good musical fun, Level Up! asks what morality can look like in the corrupt game of life.
Recommended drink: Grasshopper, retro and fun.
You can catch Level Up! at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 25th August at 14:00 (60 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
Jake Mace
