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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Wayward Council
in
Skinny No Foam
Verdict: Tickles like a tongue-bath
Satire is perhaps too strong a word for this hour of funning-around. Skinny No Foam lacks teeth: rather it tickles like a tongue-bath. Its carnival of scenarios unfolds around the idea of a mad political party with the platform Free Coffee for All.
The show largely avoids the twee puns that this theme suggests. Instead, it concentrates on the machinations of politics at the personal level. Petty ego-wars and battles over trivial privileges dominate this arena, which attracts everyone but the sane.
Spoof is the order of the evening, so there is more than a whiff of the uni bar. A lot of the humour derives from references to celebs and political figures. But if the show's comic techniques are not particularly original, individual gags are fresh enough to draw ungrudging laughter.
There are some moments of genuine comic inspiration as well. A rigged quiz show parodies the futility of political interviews in today’s media, and a witty interrogation-by-karaoke scene is conducted entirely in pop-song lyrics.
John Soffe is a born comic with his big, mischievous eyes and elastic mouth. He does a nice line in dumb and likeable, but can also project real menace when required.
Mackenzie Taylor's school-prefect manner is malleable enough to convey both downtrodden and power-tripping personalities effectively.
Peter Raetz has a lithe, strangely graceful presence, sidling up to his punchlines, making them all the funnier.
All three have assured timing, equally adept at rapid-fire exchanges and pregnant pauses. This is certainly one to enjoy after a pint or four.
Cast Credits Wayward Council, who are (alpha order): Peter Raetz. John Soffe. Mackenzie Taylor.
Company Credits: Written and directed by Wayward Council. Technical Design / Operation - Ex Animo Productions: Tomas Gisby & Neil Townsend.
END
(c) Tim Passmore 2004
reviewed Monday 26 July 04 / White Bear Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
