‘Popcorn’ ― a fun, deadly romp

Are you entertained by sex and violence?

“Popcorn,” on this weekend at Seoul’s White Box Theatre, shows just what a giggle they can be.

Oscar-winning Hollywood director Bruce Delamitri has capitalized on this, having stuffed his movies with guns, sex and gore.

High on success and Playboy bunnies, he returns home from the awards only to discover that his art has sparked a rather ugly creativity in others. Two of his biggest fans have paid him a surprise visit, and are demanding a screen-test of their own.

Life starts to imitate art as copycat-killers Wayne Hudson and his girlfriend Scout meet their movie director idol, threatening to bring Delamitri’s big-screen killing sprees to life in his own living room.

The action that ensues is laugh-a-minute, in spite of its gory content, thanks to well-delivered and deliciously dark one-liners from this well-chosen and competent cast.

Lorne Oliver nails the “pompous jerk” of Delamitri, holding together the dialogue well without overshadowing the excellent performances from Desiree Munro as his glamour model date and Lauren Ash-Morgan as his money-grabbing ex-wife.

These self-absorbed Hollywood darlings bounce well off the real stars. Rough and ready killers, Sara Rickwa’s manically mugging Scout and Dominic Schiferl’s crazy but calculating Hudson add some killer comedy to the show, with their high-octane and very public romance.

This pacey and racy production feels sharp down to the details, with Za’chary Westbrook, Katie Muir and Jema Abbate strong in supporting roles.

It is clear that the cast is having a ball among the bloodbath ― kept fast and fun by director Kirk Dickens.

But lest we forget, murder also has its downside. Ben Elton’s play also casts a spotlight on the ugly feedback loop of violence in life and art, and the perceived lack of accountability within Hollywood. Does crime inspire film or does film inspire criminals?

You may want to skip the movies to enjoy some “Popcorn” this weekend to find out.

After last weekend’s opening, the show will be staged at White Box Theatre near Hyochang Park Subway Station at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are 15,000 won and booking is essential. The play is accompanied by a Korean translation and more details can be found at www.probationarytheatre.com.

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstytaylor83@gmail.com)