A group of bus drivers, mechanics and sundry workers from Dorset form an amateur theatre company and decide to create a stage play based on the movie "Alien," complete with full monster suit. Not only is their inventiveness and tenacity showcased, but the production in their small community is "discovered" by a London impressario, who brings the whole cast and crew (the latter frequently but not always being part of the former, amateur theatrics being what they are) to stage a single performance of their show in the West End, where of course it receives much acclaim and love. "Alien on Stage" is a documentary about this fantastic feat, and as such is a real treat for movie and theatre lovers alike. My only regret is that I saw this as part of Virtual Fantasia 2021, which means at home without the brilliant Fantasia audience - this would only be better if seen with a full house of like-minded cinephiles. Great fun!
3 Reviews
Yes it's possible
redtiago10 September 2021
I saw it at MotelX.
Very good documentary about an amateur theater group from Dorset who in good time decided to stage a play based on the horror film classic "Alien".
Shows with tact and sensitivity, often this type of documentaries, even if unintentionally, end up to a certain extent by ridiculing the protagonists, this is not the case.
Shows the journey from the group, the rehearsals, the techniques as they made the props, the not very successful debut, the surprising invitation to one of the main theaters in London (London West End Theatre), the trip to London, the normal nervousness , the clash of the size of the stage, the focal points of the performance until the consecration with the stand up ovation from he audience.
A lot of fun, just like a Rick Gervaise sitcom, but clearly spontaneous and genuine.
It makes us want to go see the play asap!
Very good documentary about an amateur theater group from Dorset who in good time decided to stage a play based on the horror film classic "Alien".
Shows with tact and sensitivity, often this type of documentaries, even if unintentionally, end up to a certain extent by ridiculing the protagonists, this is not the case.
Shows the journey from the group, the rehearsals, the techniques as they made the props, the not very successful debut, the surprising invitation to one of the main theaters in London (London West End Theatre), the trip to London, the normal nervousness , the clash of the size of the stage, the focal points of the performance until the consecration with the stand up ovation from he audience.
A lot of fun, just like a Rick Gervaise sitcom, but clearly spontaneous and genuine.
It makes us want to go see the play asap!
A bittersweet watch
MattyLuke-8166324 November 2023
"And here's to the fools who dream
Crazy as they may seem
Here's to the hearts that break
Here's to the mess we make"
'Alien on Stage' is a documentary about a group of Dorset Bus Drivers spent a year creating a serious stage adaptation of the sci-fi, horror film, Alien. With wobbly sets, awkward acting and special effects requiring more luck than judgement.
Out of all the films I saw at the Leeds International Film Festival, this was the most heartfelt thing I saw at the festival. No matter how crazy your idea is, or if you have any skills, or wherever you may be from, or how you may sound in other people's ears, the documentary proves that despite all odds it is possible, no matter what.
You do get a great sense of community here, a small community that gets discovered by the "big heads" of London theatre and brings the whole cast and crew to stage a single performance of their show in the West End.
The doc follows the rehearsal period, the making of the props (including a built alien size costume), the stress and worry, the trip to London, and the nerves on show day.
All leading to a satisfying conclusion. A bittersweet watch.
'Alien on Stage' is a documentary about a group of Dorset Bus Drivers spent a year creating a serious stage adaptation of the sci-fi, horror film, Alien. With wobbly sets, awkward acting and special effects requiring more luck than judgement.
Out of all the films I saw at the Leeds International Film Festival, this was the most heartfelt thing I saw at the festival. No matter how crazy your idea is, or if you have any skills, or wherever you may be from, or how you may sound in other people's ears, the documentary proves that despite all odds it is possible, no matter what.
You do get a great sense of community here, a small community that gets discovered by the "big heads" of London theatre and brings the whole cast and crew to stage a single performance of their show in the West End.
The doc follows the rehearsal period, the making of the props (including a built alien size costume), the stress and worry, the trip to London, and the nerves on show day.
All leading to a satisfying conclusion. A bittersweet watch.
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