What actually happened on that infamous Gwyneth Paltrow ski trip?
I haven’t had such a giggle on a Tuesday in a long time, and I almost didn’t make it into town! But I’m very pleased I persevered through the torrential downpour over to Hove’s ‘Old Market’ (affectionately known as TOM) in time to de-robe from my soggy anorak and grab a pre-show vino, just in time for the opening scene of ‘Gwyneth Goes Skiing’.
I had heard the story of the court case and read the reviews of the show, but nothing could prepare me for the fantastic portrayal of everyone’s favourite Goop-founding, Chris Martin-consciously-uncoupling, Door-Sliding, Shakespeare-In-Loving, Marvel actor and Hollywood superstar – played impeccably by Linus Karp; whilst Joseph Martin steps into the skis of ‘baddie’ retired optometrist Terry Sanderson (as well as his and his lawyer, Kristin Van Orman who features as a puppet!)
Sound bonkers? A court trial might not sound like riveting viewing, but with added original songs, impromptu dance and bad jokes – Chris Martin is beige personified – plus, with audience participation, this story of suing and counter-suing becomes a night of high-camp fabulousness!
Based on the testimonies from the trial that took place seven years after their run in on the Utah ski slopes, our main man, retired eye doctor, Terry Sanderson filed a high-profile lawsuit against Paltrow, claiming that he was left with a concussion, four broken ribs and a brain injury that required compensation – although he was seen dancing and prancing on social media post case.
His claim was for $3.1 million compensation. However, Paltrow counter-sued for a modest $1 plus attorney fees. Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes, right? And in real life, the jury decided in Paltrow’s favour – proclaiming that Sanderson had directly skied into her, making him the offending party and therefore responsible for his own injuries which is where the action lies.
Cleverly woven together by Awkward Productions, who also directed Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, we were wowed with original songs by Leland and a special video appearance by Trixie Mattel (RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 winner) as Gwyneth’s mother Blythe! And if that wasn’t enough excitement, Utah’s Deer Valley has been immortalised in a backdrop of snow-filled mountains, with the ‘actual’ deer of Deer Valley making an appearance attached to a clothes rail (played by the po-faced stage manager).
Certain members of the audience also got to participate as they had their claim to fame as extras reading from the autocue – adding an extra layer of absurdity to this surreal experience; and so we didn’t all feel left out, there was a barcode as a finale, so we could make our own judgement as to whether Gwyneth was innocent or not…..
Catch it around the UK as an alternative panto. You won’t regret it!
17 – 18 October: The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford
29 – 31 October: Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
13 – 16 November: Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
26 – 29 November: Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
4 – 7 December: Lyric Theatre, Belfast
