Die Hard: The Movie, The Play | Act React
It’s Christmas. You are in charge of organising the family gathering, perhaps desperately looking for a last-minute gift for that hard-to-please friend, or are just looking around for ideas as to how to celebrate the year-end with some mates (or work colleagues). ‘Who you gonna call?’
Brisbane Powerhouse. Of course. As the year draws to a close, Brisbane Powerhouse has two shows that may fit the bill: A Very Naughty Christmas and Die Hard: The Movie, The Play. And, although A Very Naughty Christmas closes on 19 December, Act React will keep you entertained until 23 December.
The talented Act React team has cornered the market with ‘The Movie, The Play’ site-specific improv comedy tributes, many of which have taken place at Brisbane’s Powerhouse. On the opening night, chatting in the queue, fellow audience members spoke with great enthusiasm about the hilarious productions of Titanic and Speed. One relative ‘newbie’ was receiving a quick plot summary of the 1988 Die Hard film (and what to expect from an Act React show), but we all soon discovered that prior knowledge of the plot (or format) was not essential to enjoy this 60-minute production.
This image + cover image: Creative Futures Photography.
Just while I’m on the subject of the queue, it is worth joining the line a few minutes before the Turbine Platform curtains open in order to help find John McClane (New York cop, all-round hero and wearer of the white singlet, who stars in the show). Dan Beeston’s driver is no minor character, searching out his passenger and then adopting the role of ‘the voice in his head’ as narrator, prompt, and all-round provider of stage directions (keeping the newest cast member on track). Yes, there is the opportunity for some audience participation (who could forget the Titanic bunch of ‘Roses’?). No, you don’t have to take part, but the persuasive Natalie Bochenski (Producer, who also stars as the high-powered corporate wife) keeps the show on the road, and audience volunteers on their toes.
Hats off to the whole cast. But, if I had to pick only four personal highlights, then I’d go with:
James Tinniswood’s performance, as Alan Rickman playing Hans Gruber. A fabulous portrayal of the late actor, in character as the evil mastermind who thinks nothing of destroying Christmas partygoers at the top of a skyscraper in order to walk away with the $$$. A memorable performance, with what I can only refer to as the Rickman riff (that is, roll call of major roles) being a personal highlight;
Image: Creative Futures Photography.
Act React’s trademark props, made all the more special in this performance by the ‘green screen’ prop-handler (Ellen Hardisty). Best moments for me had to be Hardisty’s ‘death’ blood spurts, the helicopter manoeuvrings (also Hardistry), and Simon Chugg’s LAPD cop car outfit and heroics (the low-budget props enhancing another great performance by Chugg);
The use of the Turbine Platform space. It really doesn’t matter where you sit, as the show moves through, around, and above the platform (including two raised ‘stage’ areas); and
It was really great to be part of the live audience. I enjoyed the laughter (including watching some audience members almost in tears, as they were laughing so hard)… and it was wonderful to spend a whole hour in 1988 (a world away from the challenges of 2021.
It is fair to say that Die Hard is not my personal first choice as a festive film but, as the action takes place on Christmas Eve, it qualifies on many lists. Even if you are not a huge fan of the original film, drag yourself away from watching White Christmas (again) and get out to see some of Brisbane’s finest comedy performers. Die Hard: The Movie, The Play is an enjoyable way to start your festive celebrations, and to take some well-deserved time ‘off.’
Verdict: Relaxing festive fun for Die Hard fans and Act React newbies alike.
Audience tip: 15+. Limited coarse language. 60 minutes. The Brisbane Powerhouse run of Die Hard: The Movie, The Play concludes on 23 December.
