VAULT FESTIVAL REVIEW: Coming Out of My Cage ★★★★

Coming Out of My Cage
The Pit, Vault Festival
Tuesday 11th - Sunday 16th February 2020

Mid December last year, Netflix released a documentary titled 'Don't F**k with Cats', which followed two YouTube fantics going beyond the call of duty to venture on a manhunt and find a killer. Okay, so maybe Shepard Tone's production surrounding the best rock song of the decade in the shape of 'Mr Brightside' isn't exactly as gruesome as the former documentary, but there are eery similarities as Tim and Hannah go on a physical adventure ( by also skipping a rehearsal) to find Brampton Flowers, the owner of a YouTube channel which holds 24 karaoke versions of The Killers Classic,

Thrown into the mix of the great adventure is short bursts of episodic skits from both performers who showcase a sheer musical ability that if built up could see a two man band play a plethora of instruments to the tune Mr Brightside; even the beginning of the performance holds a visual gag to the show's title, though I could not imagine the tight squeeze and patience Tim and Hannah must both have, who together have oozes of charisma.

Though it is a shame some of the projection is often hard to read or watch due to the brick backdrop from The Pit, the content is thorough and hilarious; from memes of the classic song, to Litter Picking and Karaoke Night Hunting Facebook groups, there's many ideas thrown in which entirely land by themselves. The only dipping point came when both Tim and Hannah left the stage, with a singular phone left, and what transpired from a conversation with a single member of the audience was a group selfie, one which seemed out of place in the grand scheme of the whole fast-paced production, but cleverly does get mentioned and adds significance near the end of the performance; it just feels oodly placed in a farther fast production. Some audience interaction also comes off a bit staggered and awkward, though a debate about how we would leave our legacy behind after we pass was a particular highlight and talking point.

Overall, Coming Out of My Cage (and I'm Doing Just Fine) is a experimental, technically visual and compelling storyline which would fall right in with a 6-part YouTube vlog, or the very next Netflix Special, one that you could binge and rewatch without getting tired of the content, whilst being presented by two eccentric and likeable artists.