Tag: Ayesha Harris-Westman

Comedy review: Hello Mr Radio

On By rlsmithwritingIn ReviewsLeave a comment

Walking into the theatre to see Hello Mr Radio, on as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival, is visually arresting. The stage has been turned into a radio studio using colour blocking. Three characters motionless stand on the stage, cleverly camouflaged. All have identical beards. There is a sign advising the audience to keep their mobile phones on for the duration of the show.

Tune into 98.5 1/2 every Tuesday for a dose of absurdist comedy. Fergus Mackerel, pony tail flying, delivers an hour of absurdist comedy, along with a string of wacky guests, including a spellcaster, and audience members who call-in to talk about road haulage and their mums chopping boards. Think 1970s fashion and style – around the time of the introduction of colour TV.

The show has an off-beat nostalgic feel. It’s like getting in an old car that only has one radio station and a slightly dodgy aerial, and going for a drive you weren’t expecting on a sunny day. Hello Mr Radio is dry, character driven, humour, with clever language play and great timing. 

Hello Mr Radio is created and performed by Handful of Bugs with Alex Donnelly, Ayesha Harris-Westman and James Colbourn-Keogh on stage. The show is produced by SKINT with music and sound design by Thomas Bradford.  

Hello Mr Radio is on at The Malthouse Playbox until 19th April.

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.