Tag: Alex Donnelly

Melbourne Fringe review: Jester’s Privilege

On By rlsmithwritingIn ReviewsLeave a comment

And to be a buffoon was a serious thing as a rule! For a jester’s chief employment, is to kill himself for your enjoyment – The Court Jester

The life of the joker was to amuse the aristocracy. Their privilege came from being the only person in the court who could insult the monarch without consequence. But what happens when a jester goes too far?

Jester’s Privilege, on at Melbourne Fringe Festival is about a jokers existential crisis after the medieval Queen decides to put him to death.  He messed up his juggling act in a way that had dire consequences for the monarchy.

What will become of the Jester who has displeased the Queen?

Jester’s Privilege is a dark comedy by Handful of Bugs writer-performers Alex Donnelly and Lachlan Gough, and produced by Kaite Head of SKINT. Donnelly and Gough are a versatile, dynamic and playful performance ensemble. In Jester’s Privilege Donnelly’s acting skills shine through portrail of multiple characters in quick change successions. Donnelly and Gough are joined onstage by Ayesha Harris-Westman as the Queen. And the costumes are spectacular and colourful.

I have seen Handful of Bugs before and they go from strength to strength in their performances. With clever scripting, impeccable timing, and hilarious facial expressions, this show is a lighthearted exploration of a serious topic – the inner turmoil of the clown for whom sometimes comedy emerges as a release from psychological torment. Who better to unmask the court jester but a comedic duo?

Grab a ticket for a wild ride in Medieval England. Jesters’s Privilege is on at Festival Hub: Trades Hall Old Council Chambers till Sunday 5th October.

Comedy review: BIGFOOT: In Plain Sight

On By rlsmithwritingIn ReviewsLeave a comment

I saw Handful Of Bugs show (The John Wilkes Booth) at last years comedy festival, and it was great, but this years one person comedy, BIGFOOT: In Plain Sight, takes things to a whole new level.  I would describe this show as a blend of theatre (there’s a plot) with comedy and clowning (for laughs). And it’s a hoot.

Canadian Bigfoot researcher Robert H. McKinley self-published an autobiographical account of his lifelong relationships with Bigfoot. BIGFOOT: In Plain Sight is an interpretation of that work that also explores the ethics of adaptation. The setting is the freezing Canadian wilderness and tells the story of McKinley out there in his shorts, rucksack and hiking boots with his tent and sleeping bag and a big love for BIGFOOT. He wants to prove what he knows to be true – that BIGFOOT is real, and his dad who went missing long ago is still out there somewhere as well. 

And just as you start to wonder where the story is going, there is the most fabulous plot twist that will leave you in jaw dropping hysterics. What is fact, and what is fiction?

Handful Of Bugs theatre company is made up of Alex Donnelly, the performer in BIGFOOT, and his co-writer/conspirator Lachlan Gough who also Directed and did sound for this show. Donnelly led the set, props and costume design. SKINT produced it. Despite the origins of the mythical creature Bigfoot being well known, the show BIGFOOT: In Plain Sight is truly an original piece of comedic theatre, packed full of laughs as well as thought provoking content.

Donnelly is a dynamic and talented comedic actor, with an impressive capacity to switch characters with the flip of a hat (literally) and convey story and emotion through physical theatre. The show is professionally produced and Gough’s Direction ensures a cohesive and authentic work.

I highly recommend BIGFOOT: In Plain Sight. It is playing at the Malthouse Playbox theatre until 20th April, with showtimes at 8.30 pm or 7.30pm on Sundays. 

I highly recommend this trip into mid-20th century folklore and the cultural icon BIGFOOT.

Comedy review: The John Wilkes Booth

On By rlsmithwritingIn ReviewsLeave a comment

Get to Doubletree by Hilton early for a drink at the bar and to soak up the atmosphere before riding the elevator up to level 1 and being shown to a private room by a French waiter. It’s a French restaurant of sorts – Rue de Toilette in West Heidelberg.

A tall stetson wearing dude wearing black walks in carrying a briefcase and is shown to a booth with plush red velvet seats. Clint (Lachie Gough) is an oil man, or so he says.

Before long all hell breaks loose in this Fawlty Towers meets Lano and Woodley kill or be killed comedy sketch by Alex Donnelly and Lachie Gough who riff off each other and the audience to deliver a laugh out loud high energy comedy show.

Donnelly as Marcel is a conscientious, chaotic and clumsily murderous French waiter. During a gun slinging stand-off the two discover they work for the same agency and have been sent to assassinate each other.

What to do when you’re a ruthless killer with hurt feelings – carry out orders or buck the system?

The John Wilkes Booth is packed full of word play, physical comedy, improvisation and a very clever twist at the end. It is clear that Gough and Donnelly enjoy working together and it brings a natural fluidity to their performance. A polished show of slapstick comedy that will have you guffawing in your seat.

The John Wilkes Booth is showing at Doubletree by Hilton in Flinders Street just across from Flinders Streeet Station until 21st April. Tickets can be purchases from Melbourne International Comedy Festival.