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Trampoline

Wed, 9 Oct 2013, 11:39 am
Gordon the Optom1 post in thread

‘Trampoline’ is a fast-paced, hilarious, dark comedy written by WA talent, Shane Adamczak. This fabulous 65-minute, Weeping Spoon Production can be seen at the Blue Room Studio Theatre, James Street, Northbridge each evening at 8.30 until Saturday 26th October. There is an Auslan performance on Thursday 17th October.

 

        We join Matt (Shane Adamczak) at yet another job interview, but once again he gabbles incessantly and uses a thousand words when three would be adequate. Faced with his inability to have a simple conversation on a bus, let alone build up a meaningful relationship, Matt goes to see a psychologist, Dr Vangillies (Amanda Woodhams) for help.

       The doctor discovers a possible reason for Matt’s problems, but will he manage to overcome his dilemma? To make things worse, Kelly, the most amazing and radiant beauty Matt has ever seen, moves in next door. Will she even notice him?

       In the privacy of his own flat, Matt practises his next move and chat-up lines, but with a constant stream of annoying callers (all magnificently played by Ben Russell) is there any hope for our hero?

 

With a cast that comprised of two of Perth’s funniest, award winning, stand-up comics and an Equity Award winning actress, my expectations were quite high; however, no disappointment, the result was outstanding.

Shane has skilfully constructed a superb script with several genres of comedy, from subtle to slapstick, all smoothly blended. There is the pathetic, blundering central character of Matt surrounded by hilarious characters portrayed by Ben Russell. The fast-paced humour was non-stop; the comedy presentation was fresh and the theme original. Just when you think that you knew where the story was leading and another zany situation would arise. Towards the end of the play there was a beautifully presented – tear jerking - poignant scene starring Amanda and Shane that was as touching as any seen in a professional love story.

The acting under the directorship of Damon Lockwood was wonderful. The expressions, characterisation, accents and body language were well-observed and fully exploited, to achieve maximum fun.

In the past, I felt that Shane, although always hilarious, could be a little uneasy in his presentation, here he is complete in command. His dialogue is very clever and perfect for the characters.

The lighting design and operation by stage manager Louise Wardle was sensitive and effective. The incidental music by Michael de Grussa was blended with sax music from Matt’s hero, Kenny Gee.

One of the Blue Room’s funniest shows for a long time. Great team work. Highly recommended.

Thread (1 post)

Gordon the OptomWed, 9 Oct 2013, 11:39 am

‘Trampoline’ is a fast-paced, hilarious, dark comedy written by WA talent, Shane Adamczak. This fabulous 65-minute, Weeping Spoon Production can be seen at the Blue Room Studio Theatre, James Street, Northbridge each evening at 8.30 until Saturday 26th October. There is an Auslan performance on Thursday 17th October.

 

        We join Matt (Shane Adamczak) at yet another job interview, but once again he gabbles incessantly and uses a thousand words when three would be adequate. Faced with his inability to have a simple conversation on a bus, let alone build up a meaningful relationship, Matt goes to see a psychologist, Dr Vangillies (Amanda Woodhams) for help.

       The doctor discovers a possible reason for Matt’s problems, but will he manage to overcome his dilemma? To make things worse, Kelly, the most amazing and radiant beauty Matt has ever seen, moves in next door. Will she even notice him?

       In the privacy of his own flat, Matt practises his next move and chat-up lines, but with a constant stream of annoying callers (all magnificently played by Ben Russell) is there any hope for our hero?

 

With a cast that comprised of two of Perth’s funniest, award winning, stand-up comics and an Equity Award winning actress, my expectations were quite high; however, no disappointment, the result was outstanding.

Shane has skilfully constructed a superb script with several genres of comedy, from subtle to slapstick, all smoothly blended. There is the pathetic, blundering central character of Matt surrounded by hilarious characters portrayed by Ben Russell. The fast-paced humour was non-stop; the comedy presentation was fresh and the theme original. Just when you think that you knew where the story was leading and another zany situation would arise. Towards the end of the play there was a beautifully presented – tear jerking - poignant scene starring Amanda and Shane that was as touching as any seen in a professional love story.

The acting under the directorship of Damon Lockwood was wonderful. The expressions, characterisation, accents and body language were well-observed and fully exploited, to achieve maximum fun.

In the past, I felt that Shane, although always hilarious, could be a little uneasy in his presentation, here he is complete in command. His dialogue is very clever and perfect for the characters.

The lighting design and operation by stage manager Louise Wardle was sensitive and effective. The incidental music by Michael de Grussa was blended with sax music from Matt’s hero, Kenny Gee.

One of the Blue Room’s funniest shows for a long time. Great team work. Highly recommended.

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