Moist
Sometimes you just want to go the theatre for a good laugh. That’s exactly what Scratch Arts Express Move Me have done with their latest offering, Moist!!!
Developed by Timothy Christopher Ryan and The Mighty Caesar, performed by The Mighty Caesar, Josh Duncan, Timothy Christopher Ryan and Peter Welters, the premise is set when the bearded narrator of the show explains that he is thirsty and can’t find any water. He asks the audience to keep their eyes out for his three friends, one a bear and the remaining two, twinks who may be able to help him out.
Set in a dystopian future where apparently everyone wears a jockstrap and leotard, Moist is an hour of homo-erotic circus, vaudeville and stand-up all with a queer twist.
There is an abundance of ‘acts’ – hoops, fluorescent hoops, beer keg tossing, whip cracking, a giant ring and of course acrobatics. Add to this, bubble guns, towel flicking and an amazing tribute to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ in giant shell wading pools featuring the three friends who bathe and become human fountains. Keep your eye out for the raunchy burlesque climax.
Moist is backed by an upbeat, disco heavy soundtrack that features every popular track proliferated by TikTok. The routines are timed to the backtrack to best reference the lyrics.
These routines develop in complexity as the show builds to an artistic climax featuring fluorescent paint and UV lights.
The cast are to be commended. Acrobatic routines that may be difficult in ordinary conditions are twice as difficult when bodies are wet, and the floor of Ukiyo is unforgiving for landings.
The last section of Moist involves drying the stage using towels, squeegees or anything the cast can find. It is a clever touch to work this section into the production instead of having to dry the stage between shows.
If you chose to sit in the first couple of rows, you can expect to get a little wet, but I found it refreshing rather than soaking.
Moist is campy, sensual, athletic, but most of all it is good wet fun!!! I haven’t laughed so much for a long while!
Barry Hill OAM
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