Now, you’ve probably read our mini review-interview with Madhouse in the latest edition of Funzine, but we thought we’d extend it a little…just because we love Madhouse that much.
Their love affair with the theater was cemented in 1994 when the pair met at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA). It wasn’t long before they were best friends. But what about their love affair with Budapest? “Well, I had previously studied economics in Budapest so was familiar with the city. But in the summer of my first year at LAMDA, I got a call from a Director there saying that he wanted to produce an English language show and would my friends and I be interested,” explains Mike. And needless to say, he leapt at the chance to travel eastwards, back to a city which held so many good memories for him. And of course, Matt came along too.
“I’d always thought of Hungary as this poor European country…until I got there. Immediately, I was bowled over…just fell in love with the place,” says Matt. And popular with the crowds, they were invited back every summer break to perform. After graduating from LAMDA, they had a varied and successful run in London. “Performing in a tour of Don’t Look Back in Anger was a high point,” remembers Mike. “As was One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Although some performances were memorable for a different reason, and not quite so glamorous, as Matt explains: “We were performing a show at the Edinburgh Fringe in a small studio space. It was all going fine until a guy on the front row did a huge fart. It was so bad that we had to leave the stage!”
And the rest is history, as in 2000, backed by the Merlin Theater, the actors moved over here for good; and have since been performing regularly to full houses in their versions of The Complete Works of Shakespeare and The Blonde Hurricane at the National Theater. Mike and Matt are also constantly adding to their list of film credits, most recently playing in Hellboy directed by Oscar nominee Guillermo Del Torres and Season of the Witch with Nicholas Cage.
And their excellent on stage chemistry is showcased in their latest work, One Set to Love, a twisted comedy romance in one act. “It’s a love story, based on a play called Embers by Sándor Márai, which starts in the 1930s and jumps back and forth through time,” explains Matt. What they don’t mention is that there are twelve characters and the two talented performers play every single one of them.
The guys wrote the play with Paul Hunter: “We started with a blank page and devised it from scratch” starts Mike, “The play was finished after three very intense weeks of rehearsing and writing.” The result is nothing short of marvelous.
From Jessica the butler to Georgie the handsome buffoon, every character is performed to perfection, with immaculate attention to detail and a comedic flair that’ll leave you giggling until the next gag. Expect songs, sword fights, dance, sex (well, almost), really naughty words and even a boat ride during this jaunty and energetic 90-minute performance.
And their flowery language, clever jokes and abundant wordplay don’t seem to be lost on international audiences either.
“A chimp could follow our plays,” laughs Mike. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a clichéd slapstick rom-com acting jolly. Far from it, these guys are smart and innovative – it’s evident in their acting abilities, their witty script and when you meet them.
As soon as I finished, I went out and purchased tickets for their next performances, The Blonde Hurricane (February 24th at 7 p.m.) and The Complete Works of Shakespeare (February 26th at 7:30 p.m.).
And I’m not the only one who feels the same about this talented duo, check out these review snippets:
“Matt Devere and Mike Kelly throw everything into it… a memorable, fine performance.”
Daily Mail
“One Set to Love is as warm and engaging as you could hope to take in at the Fringe.”
Hairline
“You warm instantly to Matt Devere and Mike Kelly… infectious, cheeky energy… A polished production that manages to be different without alienating.”
The Stage
“Kelly and Devere give great performances… Refreshing, original, tender and very funny.”
Three Weeks
Daily Mail
“One Set to Love is as warm and engaging as you could hope to take in at the Fringe.”
Hairline
“You warm instantly to Matt Devere and Mike Kelly… infectious, cheeky energy… A polished production that manages to be different without alienating.”
The Stage
“Kelly and Devere give great performances… Refreshing, original, tender and very funny.”
Three Weeks
So why not come and see the comedic superstars for yourself on February 5th and 18th in One Set to Love? It’ll be love at first sight, promise.
If you have trouble getting tickets for any Madhouse performances please email mikekelly619@hotmail.com.
Date: February 5 and 18 at 7 p.m.
If you have trouble getting tickets for any Madhouse performances please email mikekelly619@hotmail.com.
Date: February 5 and 18 at 7 p.m.
Merlin Theater
1052 Budapest, Gerlóczy utca 4.
Tickets: 2,000 HUF, student: 1,500 Ft