Buffy Revamped is a lively one-man show that whirls through all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, retelling the series from Spike’s perspective in 70 minutes. Originally a Fringe hit, it has grown into a touring production that celebrates the cult-classic series with humour, energy, and plenty of knowing nods.

Brendan Murphy is no stranger to compressing pop culture. His previous show, Friend: The One with Gunther, struck a similar cord with the sitcom Friends. Here, he throws himself into the role of the vampire Spike with charisma – slipping between jokes, impressions, and asides that keep the audience on their toes. The nod to Angel’s own spin-off show through nothing more than a leather jacket and theme tune was especially appreciated.

That said, the sheer pace of the production can be overwhelming. While near impossible to squeeze in every storyline, character, and beat from seven seasons’ worth of material, it seems as if we barely scrape the surface. The time is filled by making fun of audience members, sticking on wigs to do impressions, and covering ironic 90s ballads. Though Murphy doesn’t gloss over some of the show’s darker themes, some other aspects completely go amiss. The formula is there, but it could definitely do with some polishing given that there are no other cast members to rely on for comedic relief other than Murphy. In particular, his accent needs a little more Spike-ness and the jokes need to rely a little less on the audience. While the stripped-back staging is used inventively, ultimately the show leans more on Murphy’s energy and the audience’s affection for the source material than on emotional depth.

For fans of Buffy, the show’s nostalgia and quick-fire references are a delight; for newcomers, it may feel confusing or rushed. It also goes without saying that there are BIG spoilers for how the series ends, so if you do wish to ever give the series a go, perhaps give this retelling a miss. All in all, Buffy Revamped is a one-man pantomime of a beloved franchise filled with sing-alongs, speedy costume changes, and enthusiasm that feels more at home amongst Fringe productions than a dedicated theatre tour.