Fly, You Fools! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What happens when cinematic ambition meets a shoestring budget? If you’re Recent Cutbacks, you embrace the chaos and spin theatrical gold from it. Fly, You Fools! is their latest masterclass in resourceful creativity — a hilarious, high-energy homage to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, recreated with nothing more than three performers, a brilliant Foley artist, and an arsenal of everyday objects.

This loving parody doesn’t cut corners on detail — it races through the entire plot of the film, capturing iconic moments with razor-sharp timing, slapstick flair, and imaginative stagecraft. It’s both ridiculous and remarkable to watch Frodo’s epic journey unfold via cappuccino machines in the Shire, clingfilm-faced orcs, badminton racquets, and silvery mops that double as mythic beasts. The lo-fi visual gags are part of the charm, but the comedic precision is what truly dazzles.

Actors Nick Abeel, Kyle Schaefer, and Regan Sims deliver powerhouse performances, shifting effortlessly between characters, accents, and entire battle scenes with nothing but a change of posture or a swift hoodie flip. Their physical comedy is paired with spot-on impersonations of fan favourites like Ian McKellen and Hugo Weaving — all executed with joy, skill, and just the right amount of irreverence.

The fourth star of the show is Kelly Robinson, a Foley wizard who conjures Middle-earth with an inspired mix of tin cans, peas, recorders, and of course, coconut shells. Her soundscape brings texture and momentum to every scene, creating an audio world that’s as impressive as it is hilarious.

Under Kristin McCarthy Parker’s direction, the production maintains breathless pace without losing clarity or control. Even as the silliness soars, the company’s precision, timing, and inventiveness keep the audience fully engaged and constantly surprised.

Fly, You Fools! is a celebration of imagination, collaboration, and the magic of theatre. A delight for Tolkien fans and comedy lovers alike, this is DIY performance at its absolute best.