PUFFS (Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic)
PUFFS, was born around a decade ago, and became the little play that could. On a whim, Matt Cox cobbled-together a comedic piece about three OTHER kids that may have attended a very similar school to that famous fictional school of magic. And, initially it was only intended for a week long run Off-Off Broadway, but it was then workshopped and progressed to Off-Broadway, and soon professional touring productions began staging it internationally - and inevitably, it has just staged its Tasmanian premiere!
While the framework of the piece undoubtedly follows a similar narrative to the seven Harry Potter books and films, direct references to the source material serve merely to fuel the sight gags, and numerous inside jokes. Otherwise, the story really veers all over the shop.
The new crop of alternate characters are quirky, charismatic (and a wee bit problematic) enough, to forge their own crazy arcs.
The overall style of the piece feels like long-form improv, meets pantomime, meets farce, meets University revue. It's not exactly a 'family' show. Director Matt Taylor certainly had his work cut out - guiding this charmingly diverse cast through the many twists and turns in the plot at a frenetic pace - and each of them performs with the utmost commitment.
Ryan Politis nails his role as the sturdy Narrator, grounding the craziness throughout with a commanding, slightly Python-esque presence. Jackson Keller, Jesse Apted and Ashley Eyles all lead from the front as the aforementioned ‘parallel trio’, aided by a delightful, combined chemistry. The other seven members of this fab ensemble do well juggling their multiple roles, playing between 2 to 10 named parts each! Shout-out to the stage designers, costumers, stage manager and techs; their vital contribution breathed vivid life into the chaos.
Big ups regarding the versatile space as well.
Lastly, a big pat on the back to the playwright, who shrewdly finagled the US Fair Use laws - meaning that Puffs is not authorised, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by the author, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. As a proud Trans Ally, it’s great to know ‘She Who Should Not Be Named’, does not get a dime from ANY performances of this play.
Rose Cooper
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