REVIEW: 'Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- We Talk Theatre
- Dec 31, 2024
- 2 min read
Review from - December 18th, 2024 (Opening Night)
Pictured: The Cast of THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN
Dungeons & Dragons is a game where imagination knows no bounds and dreams become a reality; this stage adaptation is no different.
The Twenty-Sided Tavern first premiered in 2019 as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival before heading Off-Broadway in 2021 and then returning to a Fringe Festival, this time in Edinburgh. The show has since opened at Stage 42 in NYC earlier this year and is currently booking through till April 29th, 2025.
Though some story elements are set, much of the plot is revealed by audience choice, random dice rolls, or improvised parts. Because of these elements, no two stories told at The Twenty-Sided Tavern are ever the same. Select moments of improvisation are very clearly scripted and are attempted to be played off as an on-the-spot choice, but they are still commendable and humorous moments.
The Australasian Premiere Production is currently playing at the Sydney Opera House and has completely transformed the Studio Theatre. The production design for this show is SERIOUSLY unmatched; With an LED wall running across the back of the stage, projections help craft stunning visuals that transport the audience directly into the fantastical realms of D&D. The lighting and sound design amplify the atmosphere, creating a fully immersive experience that’s nothing short of magical.
The tight-knit cast consists of William Kasper as the enigmatic ‘Dungeon Master’ and Zoë Harlen as the charismatic ‘Tavern Keeper’, with Atlas Adams, Trubie Dylan Smith, and Eleanor Stankiewicz rounding out the cast as The Players: ‘The Warrior’, ‘The Trickster’, and ‘The Spellcaster’, respectively. Each performance offers the opportunity for The Players to take on different characters. At our performance, we witnessed the particular brilliance of Trubie’s ‘Tamberlaine the Tantalizing Bard’, whose comedic timing and improvisational prowess kept the audience roaring with laughter.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this production is its interactivity. The audience actively participates in shaping the story, choosing paths, solving puzzles, and even rolling dice to determine key outcomes. It’s an ingenious way to bring the core mechanics of the tabletop game to life on stage. Every audience member becomes a player in this shared adventure, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that’s often unique to live theatre.
Under the sharp direction of the creative team, the pacing of the show feels effortless, balancing high-energy sequences with quieter moments of character-driven storytelling. The cast’s chemistry is electric, and their commitment to the ever-changing narrative ensures each performance feels fresh and spontaneous. Special mention must be made of the witty, often self-referential script, which is packed with clever nods to D&D lore while remaining accessible to newcomers (like myself).
The Twenty-Sided Tavern is more than just a theatrical adaptation of a beloved game; it’s an innovative, joyous celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the power of imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or a curious first-timer, this production offers something truly unique and unforgettable.
With its Australasian debut, it’s clear that The Twenty-Sided Tavern has successfully rolled a natural 20. Don’t miss your chance to embark on this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Review by Seb Smee
Produced by We Talk Theatre
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