Presented by That Girl
Reviewed 3 March 2014
Lana Schwarcz’s one-woman act Small Talk can be likened to a sort of ‘Play School for the Mad’. It is a mix of puppetry, comedy and character acting that highlights Schwarcz’ unique multi-media talents. The preview performance of Small Talk went off incredibly well, promising good things for the remainder of its season.
Small Talk explores what would happen if there was an ‘Uber Sound Machine’ that can get you in touch with your inner child and even bring them out into the real world. This new-age science experiment is used by Tilly (Schwarcz) to help out a small group of women (also Schwarcz) who are having some troubling issues. But what happens if something goes wrong and you can’t get your inner child back in again?
Schwarcz plays all four main characters, as well as puppetering their inner child counterparts. There’s Tilly, the overly bubbly creator of the Uber Sound Machine; Margareet, the troubled single lady; Rachael, the snobbish expectant mother; and Jason, the bloke looking for love. Each are unique characters with their own mannerisms, quirks and backgrounds. Schwarcz moves between her four personalities with incredible ease, making the stage seem populated and alive.
The world of Small Talk is made all the more vibrant with the use of the puppets and ingenious props, the foremost of which is the Uber Sound Machine. Clever sound recordings (designed by Kelly Ryall) and lighting add an extra dimension of life to the play, and engross us in the action.
Small Talk is an absolutely hilarious play, if you don’t mind a bit (or a lot) of black humour. At the same time, your own inner child is sure to enjoy the puppetry and craftsmanship involved. Small Talk is a bubbly, wacky, and most of all, unique show.
Reviewed by James Rudd
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre – Studio, 255 Angas St
Season: 4 – 15 March
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $17.00 – $25.00
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255
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