Stan Skinny admits that this show is a work in progress, having only started writing it a matter of weeks ago. At times it shows, but usually just because the actors are clearly still thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The initial premise of the show, a big wrestling showdown between Reality (who we’re supposed to be cheering on) and Big Dog, clearly demands a big audience with vocal reactions, but being a lunchtime Free Fringe show, there isn’t one. The cast couldn’t care less, throwing themselves around the stage and from character to character with unfettered enthusiasm, undeterred by the lack of audience response even when the microphone is thrust in their faces. Skinny and his twin, Matt, along with Alec Hughes play most of the many characters, with Mel Donaldson filling in the gaps and this multiroling is impressive and central to the show’s relative success.
Also key is the joking nature of the show; the four have their tongues superglued to their cheeks, immediately clear from the miniature wrestling ring which takes centre stage and emphasised by the ludicrous costumes, stage fighting and American accents. It is consistently funny and often quite clever.
It is, however, lacking artistic insight but the cast is so watchable and the story engaging enough that the show is very entertaining. And the last ten minutes, a totally unexpected curveball, confirms that there is structure and thinking behind it, it is not just three men running around in tights with their shirts off.
With this twist, along with the show’s unrelenting energy, the group somehow manages to haul itself away from what could have been a truly awful production towards one that is witty and engaging but nonetheless bizarre, and that deserves a lot of credit.
