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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
The Vegemite Tales
Verdict: Variable flatshare comedy
London - Riverside Studios - 2 June to 27 Aug 05 - Tues-Sun
The Vegemite Tales is a popular comedy about the trials of seven antipodeans in an Acton Aussie flat-share. It’s a two hour show of 2D caricatures and amusing stereotypes that has fellow Aussies brimming with nostalgia and Brits laughing at what they love most – themselves.
It’s a dynamic show of fast one-liners, great comic timing and hilariously hysterical internal monologues. The cast runs on high energy and obviously enjoys playing to each other as much as to their audience. There is a great feel of camaraderie in the air. It’s a very easy show to watch, especially after a pint or ten - and this is obviously the target audience. Having run successfully over four seasons - to much critical acclaim - it’s a prime example of ‘if it ain’t broke-don’t fix it.’ They have a good formula, a great cast, and a clever promotions team that takes this crowd-pleasing show and gets in the right audience to make it a winner every time.
Yet, despite its long-standing reputation, perfection has not been attained. The script and the direction do not stand up to the incredibly intricately-designed set and props, or the energetic performances by the cast.
The second half took a stab at more serious issues then obsessive toilet-cleaning and forced celibacy. Gemma blurted out that she had had an abortion that day - in response to her flatmate’s callous remarks about her typical pms behaviour. It was a great opportunity for a break from silliness, to show that there was more to a typical Aussie than crass adolescent behaviour. Jessica Gerger let rip, releasing her character’s inner turmoil. But the direction of the other characters – and frankly idiotic placement - meant that she was completely upstaged, and the moment was lost. The audience continued to laugh at the eye-rolling gestures and heavy sighs of Dan at a juncture that should have brought utter stillness around the auditorium. The next joke, which should have worked as a moment of relief, fell flat - and so did the rest of the play.
The script became self-indulgent, continuing on when there was nothing of interest left to be said. The self-conscious narrative became repetitive, and the use of film - though very funny at the beginning - started to grate. By the interval, it was a question of what else could possibly be said - an ideal time to have left. As it is, it’s about an hour to long, pricey for essentially a stand-up show, but if you’re a homesick Australian, you’ll love it.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Jessica Gerger – Gemma. Sarah Hadland – Jane/Portia. Andy Leonard – Gio. Sarah McGlade- Maddie. Andrew Robb – Sam. Tom Sangster – Eddie. Ben Steel – Dan.
Company Credits: Writer – Melanie Tait. Director – Bill Buckhurst. Designer – Tamasin Ryhmes. Lighting Designer – Ben Pacey. Sound Designer – Lee Wilson. Stage Manager – Becca Gibbs. Video Concept and Direction – Bill Buckhurst. Camera Operating and Video Editing – Liam Nicholls. Script Editor – Bill Buckhurst. Casting – Matt Western. Choreography – Todd Talbot. Rigger – Lou Rosicky. Promotions – Amy Alexander. Production Consultant – Maxine Morrison. Press – GCA - Jenny. Producers - Itchy Feet Theatre & Algernon Productions.
END
(c) Jemma Gross 2005
reviewed Tuesday 7 June 05 / Riverside Studios
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
