Original Theatre’s The Time Machine is certainly fast-paced, very silly and full of fun. A quirky comedy brimming with madness and mayhem that will appeal to audiences of all ages, the show is inspired by HG Wells’ classic science fiction novella of the same name - although if you are a fan of the original book, or love the 1960 film adaptation, this particular incarnation might leave you feeling somewhat bemused!

The play within a play features Michael Dylan, Dave Hearn and Amy Revelle, a trio of actors who are preparing a low-grade live tour of The Importance Of Being Earnest. Dave claims he is the great, great grandson of HG Wells. Having unearthed some remarkable artefacts, he believes his ancestor’s famous book may well have been based on fact instead of fiction, and so the trio of performers decide to tell the story of The Time Machine instead, to prove his theory.

The ensuing yarn takes the audience on an erratic, mistake-ridden rollercoaster ride through time, as the world of science fiction collides with the world of science fact. It is all somewhat reminiscent of The Play That Goes Wrong, with technical flaws, unsynchronised dialogue, props crashing and lighting malfunctions. The show started 20 minutes late, which we assumed must’ve been as a result of a real technical issue. Add to all this the fourth wall being abolished, lots of ad-libbing, and audience participation taking centre stage, and you have a show that’s not only energetic but exhausting!

The performance was slick, the comedy timing excellent, the three actors on top of their game. In the programme, Michael Dylan chooses to sum up the show in just three words: Anything could happen. With a rendition of Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time, a death by stabbing, and a hip-hop/Irish dancing mash-up all featuring on the night, it’s easy to see what he means. Quite simply, this show is utterly bonkers.

Three stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 28 March at Malvern Theatres, where it runs until Saturday (1 April).