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Whether a conclave is over quickly, or involves a longer, arduous process, what happens before the white smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel is always veiled in an air of mystery.
The Chair of Saint Peter (& Other Games) reveals what goes on behind closed doors.
The show begins with a bang, an EDM style dance number with synchronised rave lighting. This culminates with the announcement of a new Pope, in appropriately Holier than thou fashion.
These movement sequences return throughout the show. They are used effectively to re-enact the conclave’s events, each replaced with a different party game in a delightful subversion that also allows for a more natural pace.
These windows to the past lead up to the disappearance of a Cardinal. Holly, a local journalist, interviews each remaining member of the Church in the present. It is during these interviews that their individual personalities shine through.
With each Cardinal hailing from a different country, the accent work is impressive across the cast. At the head of the Church, and the show is Pope Bocelli, a hilarious caricature of the Italian grandparent you never had.
His charismatic yet callous delivery creates humour from some of the more sobering parts of the institution.
However, on occasion, the show may be to funny for its own good.
A twist near the end of the show didn’t have quite as much impact as I hoped, simply because I was catching my breath from the last joke.
The fast pace also means that some characters don’t quite get to expand beyond their stereotypes. Though admittedly everyone still serves as excellent vehicles for delivery of the jokes.
Despite this, the cast and creatives overcome the limitations of a short runtime to deliver a piece that is bold, laugh out loud funny. It also delivers some biting satire to leave you thinking once it is all said and done.