Police Cops in Space is a hilarious and chaotic adventure that follows the last Police Cop in the universe, Sammy Johnson, as he blasts off to a distant planet to team up with an alien fighter pilot and his trusty cyborg. Their mission? To become the best damn police cop… in space!
Written and performed by the comedy trio Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson, and Tom Roe, this show is a whirlwind spoof that pokes fun at genre tropes while delivering non-stop laughs. The story takes place after the events of their previous hit musical, Police Cops: The Musical, so fans will delight in familiar jokes and characters, while newcomers will still find plenty to enjoy in this short but sweet taster of the group’s unique brand of comedy (although some of the jokes will fall a bit flat if you haven’t seen Police Cops: The Musical. This is undoubtedly a sequel, not a standalone show).
The staging in Police Cops in Space is minimalist but highly effective, with the performers making the most of a very limited budget. The costumes and set pieces are extremely basic. But the direction keeps the action moving at a breakneck pace, with the performers transitioning between roles and scenes.
The three performers, Hunt, Parkinson, and Roe, are masters of their craft, creating a wacky style of comedy that feels well crafted and delightfully chaotic. Their joy in performing is infectious, and they have a knack for engaging the audience and drawing them into the madness.
The characters in Police Cops in Space are larger-than-life and over-the-top, but the performers manage to make them endearing and relatable. Sammy Johnson, the last Police Cop in the universe, is a lovable underdog who just wants to be the best at his job, no matter how absurd the circumstances. His alien sidekick and cyborg companion provide plenty of laughs and unexpected moments of camaraderie.
One of the most impressive aspects of the acting is the performers’ ability to improvise and adapt to unexpected situations. Several moments in the story allow for improvisation, and the cast’s quick thinking and comedic timing shine in these moments, often leading to some of the biggest laughs of the show.
Police Cops in Space is a physical show, with the performers using every opportunity to showcase their athleticism and comedic skills. The physical comedy is a key part of the group’s signature style, and fans of the previous musical will be delighted to see even more of it in this show.
Sadly, this sequel doesn’t reach the heights of Police Cops: The Musical in terms of production value and joke density. Yet it still delivers a hilarious and entertaining experience for fans. The show captures the essence of the group’s unique comedic style and showcases their talents as writers, performers, and improvisers.
While it may not be the best damn Police Cops show ever, Police Cops in Space is undoubtedly the best damn Police Cops show in space. Don’t miss your chance to join the madness and become a fan of this brilliant comedy troupe.