Hitting the Slopes: Reviewing 'Gwyneth Goes Skiing' – A Hilariously Off-Piste Musical Adventure

Gwyneth Goes Skiing: A Side-Splittingly Surreal Musical Adventure

In the annals of comedic brilliance in 2023, few spectacles rival the uproarious saga of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial. Those in the know will undoubtedly appreciate the absurdity of this essentially harmless lawsuit culminating in its inevitable form: a flamboyantly camp stage musical, crafted and performed by a dynamic queer theatre duo, with a Swedish gentleman donning drag to embody the illustrious Gwynnie herself.

Returning to the hallowed halls of the Pleasance for an encore run after its uproarious December debut, this latest iteration of the show revisits the ludicrous highlights from the Utah trial. Here, retired optometrist Terry Sanderson's claim of a fateful collision with Paltrow on the Deer Valley slopes – resulting in purported life-altering injuries – takes center stage. With Sanderson seeking $300,000 in damages and Paltrow counter-suing for a symbolic $1, the courtroom drama unfolds with a delightful array of absurdities.

From Sanderson's admission of dubbing the Oscar-winner "Godzilla" to Paltrow's deadpan response to the collision – "Well, I lost half a day of skiing" – and the surreal interjection of Sanderson's lawyer's fandom over Paltrow's friendship with Taylor Swift, the proceedings are as entertaining as they are bewildering.

The masterminds behind the production, Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, expertly blend verbatim excerpts from the trial with whimsical flights of fancy. Gwyneth herself experiences a Disney princess moment, serenading with stuffed animals, while Sanderson's lawyer is depicted by a manic puppet and Paltrow's daughter, Apple, by an actual apple.

Original songs by RuPaul's Drag Race songwriter Leland add a catchy backdrop to the madness, though they occasionally feel disconnected from the narrative flow. Nevertheless, it's Karp's portrayal of Paltrow that steals the spotlight, with his uncanny ability to capture her trademark mannerisms and detached charm, albeit with a persistent Swedish accent.

While some jokes may tread familiar ground – from the exorbitantly priced Goop products to Paltrow's "conscious uncoupling" from Chris Martin – the show delivers consistent laughs, particularly with its clever jabs at Paltrow's cinematic endeavors.

In the end, "Gwyneth Goes Skiing" emerges as a side-splitting spectacle that transcends mere parody, offering audiences an uproarious journey into the surreal world of celebrity lawsuits and the enduring enigma that is Gwyneth Paltrow.

Gwyneth Goes Skiing: A Playful Yet Puzzling Production

In their latest venture, Karp and Martin ingeniously incorporate the audience into various roles, from Paltrow's husband Brad Falchuck to other supporting characters, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. However, while this interactive approach adds a charmingly scrappy charm to the production, it inadvertently hampers the pacing, leaving spectators unsure of the creators' intended direction.

Indeed, amidst the whimsical presentation, one may find themselves questioning the underlying message of the piece. Is it a biting satire of celebrity culture or a contemplation on the nature of truth? Regrettably, the production falls short on both fronts, with additional references to nepo babies and The Traitors feeling contrived.

Moreover, the decision to stretch the ski trial material over an hour and 40 minutes proves to be a misstep, resulting in a sluggish narrative that only reaches the courtroom in the second half. Despite occasional flashes of audacious humor – such as Paltrow's unconventional breakfast table antics – the overall tone remains surprisingly tame, lacking the biting wit or provocative edge one might expect.

In sum, while "Gwyneth Goes Skiing" offers moments of amusement, it ultimately leaves much to be desired. With its blend of whimsy and missed opportunities, the verdict is clear: fun, but with ample room for improvement. Available until Feb 16th, tickets can be secured by calling 020 7609 1800 or visiting pleasance.co.uk.

In conclusion, "Gwyneth Goes Skiing" presents an intriguing blend of interactive theater and whimsical storytelling, yet falls short of delivering a cohesive and compelling narrative. While the inclusive approach and scrappy production style add charm, they also contribute to pacing issues that hinder the overall experience. Despite occasional moments of humor and satire, the production struggles to find its footing, leaving audiences questioning its ultimate aim. With room for improvement, "Gwyneth Goes Skiing" remains a fun but flawed endeavor.