Review: The Time Machine at the Lowry is ‘eccentric, exciting and electric’

Written by Steve Canny and John Nicholson and directed by Orla O’Loughlin The Time Machine takes the infamous H.G Wells novel and deconstructs it for a modern audience.

It is accessible, enjoyable and very silly while still maintaining the key themes that make the original so impactful all these years later.

The Time Machine

The Time Machine follows three friends, Amy (Amy Revelle) George (George Kemp) and Michael (Michael Dylan) as they try to stage a play of the science fiction classic of the same name.

George is a direct descendant of the author, H.G Wells and while going through some family heirlooms, he learns that time travel is possible and that his great great great grandfather (give or take a few greats) unearthed the secret all those years ago.

Inspired by this revelation he immediately writes a play that tells this remarkable story, in hopes of sharing this incredible family legacy – and playing the lead while he’s at it!

A great adaption of a HG Wells classic

To tell you any more than this would ruin the many surprises that occur throughout the two-hour run time; but rest assured, even those completely unfamiliar with the source material will be able to enjoy this outlandish comedy and it is almost certainly not what you expect.

A talented small cast

The Time Machine is undoubtedly a group effort between the three cast members.

Their chemistry and talent is apparent from their ease when on stage.

They each give layered performances that somehow build comedy and tension simultaneously.

George is the self-appointed leading man, he is driven and often single-minded which would make him unlikeable if he wasn’t so funny.

Kemp’s comedic timing adds so much to the performance and his natural charisma helps to smooth out the rough edges of George’s character.

Amy is headstrong, perceptive and very passionate. She more than holds her own against George’s stubbornness and Michael’s peculiarities.

Revelle is extremely funny and seems completely at home in this role.

Whether she is interacting with an audience member, bickering with George or donning a wig, she is in clearly completely immersed in the role.

It would be unfair and inaccurate to say Michael Dylan stole the show because The Time Machine is so clearly a group effort, but it was a very near thing.

His commitment to his character and his inherent understanding of comedy is delightful to watch. He demonstrates an impressive and expansive array of skills that had the audience in stitches.

Fred Meller’s set design

While the set design (Fred Meller) was minimal, it was extremely effective and creative.

Props play a crucial role in the narrative and the jokes of The Time Machine.

They help to flesh out the world and atmosphere of the story immensely.

It should not surprise you to read that a show all about time is well-paced.

Although the story rapidly gains speed as it goes on, it never drags or rushes.

The acceleration always feels appropriate.

A great deal of thought and care went into structuring The Time Machine, especially in the second half.

Steve Canny and John Nicholson seem to gleefully unravel all the threads they so carefully established in the first half as things spiral out of control.

It is truly a sight to behold.

An eccentric re-imagining of The Time Machine

Whether this is your first introduction to the story or you have the original committed to memory, you will surely find something to like in this eccentric, and admittedly very loose comedic retelling of one of the highly regarded science fiction stories.

The Time Machine Lowry tickets

The Time Machine is at the Lowry until Saturday 27th January.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here