Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: A Series Of Awkward Encounters

A funny peak into what it might just be like trying to come up with an idea for a show.

Presented by Play Every Day Actors Studio
Reviewed 28 February 2018

The members of Play Every Day Actors Studio, Michael Fazackerley, Leah Cocks, Holly Howard, Ella Anderson, Tom Liddell and Phil Hahn were ably directed by Rachel Williams in this funny peak into what it might just be like trying to come up with an idea for a show. Playing a version of oneself, as they really are the actors who devised this show, can’t be easy.

In the performance Michael has already submitted the title A Series Of Awkward Encounters to the Fringe, but as yet no one has any idea what this actually might looks like! And so we meet the cast for this ‘proposed’ show as they straggle into the rehearsal space to work on ideas for the show.

The ‘pecking order’ soon becomes clear, even as they decide where to sit. Phil can’t make up his mind and when he does is yelled at to get out of her chair by Holly. For the want of any better ideas they decide to warm up – yet more awkward encounters as bright, bubbly and overenthusiastic Ella is elbowed out of the front row position by Holly. Ella suggests a dance routine for the planned show but her overenthusiasm sees her performing a solo routine, thinking everyone else is following along when they’ve all gone to sit down.

Each of them comes up with ideas which fit the title. From his Year 8 crush, an invite to his uncle’s sex party, the unintended consequences of Viagra and a bizarre medical condition concerning his penis, everything Tom suggests is sex-related. Michael seems equally obsessed with awkward encounters with poo, especially his experiences in Thailand. Phil’s awkward moments all revolve around him missing signals from others – most spectacularly when he tries to kiss Leah who has made it very clear she plays for the other team.

The performers kept up a cracking pace and had the audience in stitches. The show is irreverent, will make you laugh and also contains some slightly uncomfortable or sad moments which in our family are usually described as, ‘It’ll be funny eventually’ and it usually is.

Reviewed by Jan Kershaw

Rating out of 5:  3.5

Venue: Band Room at the Crown & Anchor Hotel

Season:  1 March 5.45pm
Duration:  45 mins
Tickets:  N/A
Bookings:  Sold out

https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au

https://www.playeverydayactorsstudio.com/

 

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