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Woolly Eyed Turtle 3D

 
Sam Forbes Review by Sam Forbes 4 Published: 25 Aug 2015 Cafe Camino Show Dates: 8 Aug 2015-29 Aug 2015

Emily Johnson and Maeve Bell are a double act from Ireland. A proud Irish identity filters into their work; their show Woolly Eyed Turtle 3D is a fast and funny race through the rural stereotypes of Flackin O’Shlackin, the 'smallest town in Ireland'. The piece is equal parts theatre and sketch show and, although its scattergun approach means that things aren’t as focused as they could be, laughs are frequent and the duo’s talent is obvious.

A ramshackle blend of styles and jokes united by the unfailingly physical enthusiasm of its two writer/performers.

The plot is both local and international, important yet completely irreverent. Noreen is returning home to Ireland from New York to visit her dying mother. The stories of the other patients and staff of the nursing home where she stays – the brilliant 'Saint Mother Mary Magdalene of Hope Care Home' – are also told, creating a rich tapestry of absurd village life. An old man fancies a model from a 'no-sex line' (Catholic guilt brilliantly parodied); a nurse talks to a turtle; we take part in seated aerobics. Johnson and Bell effortlessly and instantly adopt every persona required in a lovely display of physical character clowning.

Most of the of the play’s humour derives from astute observations of Irish life – what at first seems to be stereotypical becomes something deeper and questions are posed as to the nature of social acceptance and inclusivity. The more self-consciously ‘funny’ moments are cutaways to obvious sketch territory: reality TV, directions using absurd local landmarks, an out and very proud lesbian couple living in Paraguay. These often lack a real punchline and can feel jarring as a result. Having said that, the characters – and, indeed, the actors – are so endearing that it’s hard not to crack a smile.

Woolly Eyed Turtle 3D is a ramshackle blend of styles and jokes united by the unfailingly physical enthusiasm of its two writer/performers. A simple, silly and wholly entertaining hour of fun.

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The Blurb:

One stupid town and all its inhabitants, played by two ridiculous Irish women. Watch Maeve & emily attempt to weave seamlessly from character to character with funny and awkward results and unexpected twists every night.