Fringe World: This Show Does Not Include LIVE NUDE GIRLS
The single most important aspect of fringe for Perth is the fact that it proves that Perth is full of high quality performers and creatives. Although the Perth Festival provides us with an opportunity to see some really big names, and some wonderful works, Fringe showcases the truly exceptional minds that we have in Perth. Seeing This Show Does Not Include Live Nude Girls at the Black Flamingo in the Pleasure Gardens reminded me of this. The only regrettable thing from this was the poor planning from Fringe, who didn’t seem to plan for the differing volumes from show to show which meant for people at the back, it might be hard to hear certain parts of the show or audience over the din of what seemed like a concert in the neighbouring pavilion.
But that was not nearly significant enough to detract from what was a truly joyful show. The cast were excellent. From the wonderful experienced Ellis Pearce to the excitingly multi-talented Michael Biagioni, this show has an excellent cast to draw from. One would have thought that Shane McMullan would have been content to rely on this excellent ensemble, but no. If you are wary of an evening of divide between audience and actors, you will be (pleasantly) surprised to find that it’s particularly audience empowering. I lost a sock and a shoe in the first 5 minutes and horrifyingly realised that although there was not to be any live nude girls, there may have still been a live nude man if things didn’t change soon. Luckily through the expert guidance of Ann-Marie Biagioni–who was the link twixt audience and tableauxed cast–everyone was spared that and the show continued with the help of some audience suggestions.
It was impressive to see Laura Grigson and Alethea Bevilacqua seamlessly cope with the often masochistist wishes of the watchers (perhaps aptly for the black flamingo, the punters seemed very keen to see at least one, if not all of the cast, whipped). Perhaps more impressively, Shane McMullan who produced the show was equally happy to allow the audience to dictate aspects of a show that clearly has a lot of great work behind it.
Considering commedia dell’arte heavily utilises masks, I firstly expected that the performers would be much more reliant on dialogue and body language to get their feelings across. Much to amazement though the masks were designed so well that you could very much see their facial expression, or at the least the masks seemed to mould perfectly to match the body language of the actors.
This Show Does Not Include Live Nude Girls is a great night out. It gives you a fun taste of an underperformed style of theatre without overbearing technicality. IntotheMask have proven themselves to be one of Perth's most unique and enjoyable theatre companies. Also, you might be called on to add your 2 cents as to where the show should go next, but let's face it, everyone loves attention. Definitely get down and see it in the next week.
This Show Does Not Include Live Nude Girls is playing at the black flamingo at 9:30 p.m. every night until February the 7th. TIckets are $15-20 and can be from the ticket booth, or online at: https://www.fringeworld.com.au/program/event/5f672f9f-9737-40ce-9ce1-31831c06d6be/
Tom Camp
