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Broken Planet Show

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 4 Published: 12 Aug 2025 Gilded Balloon Patter House Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

Broken Planet doesn’t give much away on entry; its fliers do that job. What you see is what you get: a broad, run-down stage contrasting with a lone, relaxed guitar player strumming as you enter. I thought I had wandered into the wrong show.

Perhaps the most Fringe show I’ve ever seen

That only made it funnier when the bizarre and bombastic ensemble got to work. Even with alleged full knowledge, I could not have anticipated what was to come. I was giggling consistently throughout.

Broken Planet is a truly rotating, cabaret-esque show that leans into the weirdness cabaret is all about. Almost the entire cast is chopping and changing constantly, which gives it a taped-together and silly feel. It also makes it perhaps the most Fringe show I’ve ever seen: confidently chaotic, charmingly cheeky, just a little rough around the edges, while adding a spark of all-too-human hope.

The central premise is established early: God (complete with clown nose, beard and goggles) turned his back on the world, it all went sideways, so it’s our job to fix it. How? Through a series of levelling experiences and farcical acts that breed connectivity.

Clearly, there are some staples the cast trot out every night and a loose framework here. The magic comes from the oddities and intersections of everything else they attach to that structure. A somewhat harrowed baby floating in space is a key character, as is Safety. Throw in a very Rick and Morty-esque scientist interpretation of God, and there is a strong core. It sparkles when you add the soft and soulful music that seems almost at odds with the lunacy of the performances – but it really goddamn works.

As with all rotating cast or guest-spot shows, your mileage may vary. When I saw it, I was pleasantly surprised and utterly delighted. How the hell did Full Out Formula realise they could do that with an egg?! Chloe Matonis was also excellent in her depiction of Sergeant-Lieutenant Love. I hope Nerf Karaoke is included every evening, as it begged utter gay abandon.

One element that may have been missed is that the closing moments involve a dazzling finale to the sound of a volunteer audience member’s heartbeat. If they can find a way to tell the audience what they’re listening to, it may well underscore this moment of radical connection – and we just might save the world.

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The Blurb:

The absurd cabaret of apocalyptic proportions. Comedy, circus and indie cosmic lunacy collide in an ever-changing nightly riot of world-class weirdos, hellbent on healing our planetary divide. Interactive, uplifting, subversive and bonkers. Featuring Clown God, Mothman, Fart Monkey, Nerf Karaoke and outlandish acts from across the Fringe, with a live-looped indie score morphing every night. Broken Planet Show dares you to misbehave, laugh at our flaws and dance through the chaos – uniting us in glorious imperfection. It's a rowdy invitation to take life less seriously. Join the revolution of ridiculousness. COME SAVE WORLD!