The Crumple Zone
by Buddy Thomas
Waterloo East Theatre 26 Nov to 22 Dec 2024
The Crumple Zone is a funny, chaotic and deeply moving comedy set in a run-down apartment on Staten Island during one frantic Christmas weekend.
Terry is an out-of-work actor struggling to find love, success and a sense of belonging. His best friend Buck has fallen for Alex, who is already in a long-term relationship with Sam. As secrets are exposed and relationships begin to unravel, the four friends find themselves caught in a messy web of love, jealousy, heartbreak and betrayal.
With its fast-paced humour and moments of genuine tenderness, The Crumple Zone explores friendship, love, loss and the painful realisation that life doesn’t always turn out as we imagined. Ultimately, it is a story about finding hope, meaning and the courage to carry on.
Reviews
“The Crumple Zone offers a sharp, uproarious alternative to traditional Christmas fare; a brash and unflinching exploration of modern relationships.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (UK Theatre Weekly)
“James Grimm is dazzling in the role, delivering biting one-liners and gut-punch vulnerability in equal measure; The Crumple Zone truly shines in its exploration of Queer relationships; It’s sharp, funny, and unexpectedly touching; The Crumple Zone doesn’t just entertain; it resonates.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Squirrp)
“Great script, solid acting from the whole cast and a fun play to watch with friends, family or loved ones; the stage design was fantastic; a sharp wit that both stings and surprises.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LondonFringeTheatreReviews)
“A Christmas filled to the brim with drama and chaos; intense stage chemistry between all actors, perfect comic timing and real, raw emotion; the stage chemistry is passionate and real; Alex and Buck have the most chemistry; the comedy just keeps coming; Crumple Zone brings comedy and wit from tragic events, with poignant moments of reflection; the metaphor at the end is beautiful; a perfect stocking filler.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tab in the City)
“At its best, The Crumple Zone offers a poignant exploration of love and loss, wrapped in the glittering tinsel of Christmas comedy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (London Born and Bred)
“I found all three completely captivating; watching the three interact was like a well-choreographed dance; their chemistry as a trio was palpable throughout the theatre and I loved being entertained by them; The Crumple Zone is a fun and easy going show where you will be completely charmed by the three leads.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Green Room Reviews)
“Jonny Davidson’s performance was a brilliant nuance of light-hearted and gut-wrenching; James Grimm’s character Terry was just hilarious and incredibly easy to become attached to; The Crumple Zone promises a good time and delivers on it.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Adventures in Theatreland)
“Grimm’s performance of over-the-top dramatics proved the highlight of the evening; his was the standout performance; Both Davidson and Donnelly were brilliant; the cast are all incredibly talented; there were moments where everyone in the audience was in hysterics.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Broadway World)
CAST
Terry: James Grimm
Sam: Sinead Donnelly
Buck: James Mackay
Alex: Jonny Davidson
Roger: Nicholas Gauci
CREATIVES
Writer: Buddy Thomas
Director: Helen Bang
Costumes: Janet Huckle
Technical: Richard Lambert
Producer: LAMBCO Productions
Graphic Design: Steve Caplin
Photographer: Peter Davies
Marketing: Kaitlin Marino
Assistant to Director: Peter Rae
Production Assistant: Paulina Azimov
US Dialogue Consultant: Nora Perone
PR: Kevin Wilson