Theatre Review: "When He Gets That Way" is a humorous and bizarre circus of two

Subiaco Theatre Festival's When He Gets That Way is one jolly joyride.

With entertainment guaranteed this show is gobbledygook, and hogwash all rolled into one. What it lacks in clarity it makes up for in hilarity. Set somewhere in Austen times, with costumes from ye olden days, both actors perform their roles impeccably.

This show may (or may not) be about how to own your story and how to tell it, but the rest is up to you. Predominantly narrated by the tenacious Lisa Louttit, you'll be kept on your toes until the very last verse as it twists and turns into a warped fairytale, not unlike Little Red Riding Hood. Louttit's character, Lady Annabelle, is very Mrs Bennet-esque; bordering on preposterous and full of nerves. On the other hand, Taryn Ryan, playing Christiane, is a calming presence, until her true colours start to show. Like a feverish dream its absurdity will haunt you for at least 24-48 hours. Its rambling commentary is dotted with dirges, sung incredibly by both Loutitt and Ryan, and played on the ukelele, the only instrument that never loses its charm.

When He Gets That Way pairs perfectly with a glass of wine, so pick your poison, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. You may find it all a bit much for an evening at the theatre but who wants to put up a fight against a formidable woman, or two, at 9 o'clock at night? Not you. Humorous and verging on bizarre, prepare to be amazed by this circus of two. If you've lost your marbles... you sure as heck won't find them here but it's worth a look.