I Can Have a Dark Side Too

I Can Have a Dark Side Too
By Glenn Wallis. Fringe World. Directed by Glenn Wallis. The Jonesway Theatre, William St, Northbridge, WA. Jan 23-25, 2025, then Adelaide Fringe

Playing for a very short season, I Can Have a Dark Side Too was a one man, one puppet black comedy that was expertly performed and darkly funny.

From the moment that Glenn Wallis, as Ray, introduced himself as Sergeant Safety, to a Year Two Audience (a less than subtle spin on WA’s Constable Care), he had his audience rapt. How could this vibrant children’s entertainer possibly have a dark side? Until we meet his puppet…….

A gloriously dark story featuring upbeat songs, ventriloquism and a ‘loveable’ puppet, thirty-year-old Ray, his mother’s “Ray of sunshine” is a fabulous character with whom you can’t help but relate, despite a storyline that includes verbal abuse of a Year 4 teacher, unsafe knife play and an unexpected death.

Glenn Wallis is a loveable red head, with great characterisation, a good singing voice and some solid ventriloquism skills. He can also write a bizarre but brilliant little show.

A quirky and complex story that I am loathe to spoil, as I am hoping that we will see return seasons.  I Can Have a Dark Side Too will play at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, later in February. South Australians get your tickets now!

Kimberley Shaw

Click here to read more Fringe World 2025 reviews

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.