If you love absurdist theatre, then The Meat Show could be for you. In the intimate surrounds of the Bosco Theatre, this 50 minute performance has its genesis in the frenzied and sadistic nature of Japanese Game shows.
While it is obvious that the show has had some considered thought process to it, The Meat Show suffers from not enough material and lack of dramaturgical input that leaves performers, Gabi Barton and Carla Yamine floundering at times. A more adept approach in the directorial department could have seen a more rigid and tightly performed show.
The premise of the game show and the use of a controlled spinning wheel to determine scenes is interesting, and does garner a laugh, the show retreats into a repetitious flurry of absurdity that includes a game of pass the parcel and a sausage race with the audience its unwilling participants.
The Japanese butcher inspired sword dance was a little too long and the roasting scene seemed out of place amongst the manic nature of the remainder of the show.
A basic set consisting of a middle entry door and a spinning prize wheel looked cheap and well below what should be expected. However, if this was the intention, then they achieved it spectacularly.
Sprinkle Magic’s vivid costumes are certainly dazzling and Kelly Ryall’s musical accompaniment is bouncy and sets a frenetic pace but the number of audience members retreating to the safety of the bar within 10 minutes of starting time was an indication this performance didn’t have enough to sustain their appetite.
Unfortunately, The Meat Show was not my type of Barbeque!
The Town Bikes present The Meat Show
Bosco Theatre, The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Review by Rohan Shearn – Thursday 21 February 2008
Plays till 27 February 2008
Bookings: 1300 374 643 or online at: www.adelaidefringe.com.au
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