Presented by Such Cliché
Reviewed 14 March 2017
To be fair to the performers, I am clearly not part of the demographic they are aiming at as I was the oldest audience member by a good 10-15 years. But that in no way excuses the many problems with the production.
In this instance the company is very aptly named. According to the Oxford on-line dictionary a cliché is: ‘A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought’ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/cliche . Using the ‘f’ word at every possible opportunity does not make for ‘irreverent musical theatre [that] will have you in stitches’ or demonstrate that ‘these gnomes are naughty’ http://thegcadelaide.com.au/gnomes-vs-mermaids/ but rather provides a perfect example of the definition of ‘cliché’ as above. Neither does strong language make a poor script and woeful jokes funny. I have no problems with strong language on stage, but there has to be a reason behind using it as such language is unlikely to shock the average Fringe audience.
I can’t talk about production values as this production didn’t appear to have any. Actors regularly forgot their lines, missed cues and had problems getting on and off stage. The costumes were a rag-bag collection of mismatched, ill fitting and often poorly made garments. One of the few things which worked well was the mermaid costumes when seen under UV lighting.
Speaking of lighting, this was yet another production value which had apparently gone AWOL. The blackouts for scene changes were clumsily done – to the extent that someone yelled from back stage to turn the lights off. Having been involved in Fringe productions, I do realise the lighting choices in a venue are often limited, but having most of the action taken place in full-on white light seems to show a distinct lack of imagination.
The live music provided by The Jeremys was good but given that this was billed as ‘musical theatre’ it was another disappointment that most of the cast couldn’t sing, some couldn’t even talk in time to the music. The songs provided yet more examples of clichés: not judging others; be the change you want to see; stop self-hate; love yourself; and of course, the ever popular peace.
I did wonder whether the show was meant to be a parody – but if so of what? Perhaps of a well written, amusing and competent musical theatre production.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Rating out of 5: 1
Venue: Studio at The GC at The German Club 223 Flinders Street
Season: 15-17 March
Duration: 90 mins
Tickets: Full Price: $20.00 Concession: $18.00
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/gnomes-vs-mermaids
https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
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