Directors:
‘Alien On Stage’ is a documentary about a unique crew of bus drivers from Dorset, whose amateur dramatics group decide to ditch doing another pantomime and try creating a serious adaptation of the sci-fi, horror film, Alien (1979). The show is a crushing flop but fate gives them a second chance to find their audience. With wobbly sets, awkward acting and special effects requiring ‘more luck than judgment’, will their West End debut be alright on the night?
I have done local plays and musicals in my life, feel that ‘Alien on Stage’ does a really good job of showing what it’s like working with a low-budget, and a big heart and desire to make something we all love. The stress of budgets and making sure and time constraints, and memorizing lines of course. the cast is endearing and you see their love for the craft.
You also see the passion for ‘Alien’. You would think that an idea for an ‘Alien’ stage show would go down as horrifically as ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’. But it’s in its small scale and independent spirit that makes the show work the second time around. You could say it developed a cult following after this show, and with the passion for what they did they deserve it.
Overall, ‘Alien on Stage’ is an interesting look and breakdown of what life is like making a small budget indie show, and the love of ‘Alien’.
