Creation Creation

Awesome Festival CEO and Artistic Director Jenny Simpson introduced the Opening Night of Creation Creation by stating that this very different and exciting show defies description - and in many ways she is right. Bearing this in mind, I will attempt to provide a review of this flagship production of this year’s Awesome Festival.

Presented by Windmill Theatre, this 50-minute show attempts to answer life’s big questions including “How did we get here?”; “How are babies made?”; “Is there other life in the universe?” and “What does it feel like to die?”. The answers, presented by two highly personable, masterful performers, Fleur Elise Noble and Johnathon Oxlade, are based on dozens of interviews with people aged 8 to 102, and are child friendly and acted out in highly creative ways.

Starting on a stark white set, this initially low-tech show becomes a highly technological extravaganza that explodes with impact, from a design by Chris Petridis, all accompanied by fun and powerful composition by Harry Covill. A show that has surprises at every corner, this production at times feels like a magic popup book of facts and swings from hilarious to poignant.

As well as the two leading actors, there are two great cameo performances from two hard-working younger creatives. (Unfortunately, I have been unable to find names).

Every performance of Creation Creation features an Auslan translation, opening this production to wider audiences.

Creation Creation is an exciting journey of a show that appeals to adults and children alike. Simply a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw