Reviews

There’s not a lot that will throw the utterly brilliant, outrageous and hilarious burlesque performer Damien Warren-Smith off his game. His onstage personality has a kind of disarming innocence, cheekily crossing boundaries as though he didn’t realise they existed, and then basking in the embarrassed delight of the audience he’s dragged out of its comfort zone. That naughty toddler character might come across a little insecure, which contrasts with his physical comedy, which is strong, controlled and comfortable.

The Spooky Men pretend to be “spooky” but they’re not! They’re funny, weird, somewhat dark … but thought-provoking, original and very talented. Led by Spookmeister Stephen Taberner, they have been an Australian musical phenomenon for twenty-three years.

Eleven- thirty at night is a late show after a day of Fringe fun. However, the Bubble Show for Adults Only is well worth the wait!

The set is deceptively simple, a black stage with some silver podiums and copious mist pouring out to add to the atmosphere.

Thanks to the talents of Kurt Murray and Iulia Benze the action is non-stop, performing to a backing track of a radio program. There is an office scene, outer space, hippies and some BDSM fun and more!

A friend of mine recently asked me – “Do you need to have watched the original series Fawlty Towers before you see Faulty Towers the Dining Experience?” The answer is a resounding no. It is just good, old fashioned crazy fun played to the hilt!

The production is based on some of the 12 iconic episodes made in the 1970s and features the central characters of Basil Faulty, his wife Sybil and their Spanish waiter, Manuel.