Presented by GMT Productions International
Reviewed 8 October 2013
Think you know Bond? Think again.
Gavin Robertson wrote this tight, clever script that is heavy with clichés, baddies, and humour. It is fun, fast and full of many of the usual suspects, all played energetically by Robertson.
The show opens with instantly recognisable nods to many of the Bond film opening credits which are used thematically throughout. Other show highlights include the highly appropriate use of the excellent word “pithy” and a lightning fast reference to Ian Fleming’s famous children’s novel.
All the letters are there – M, Q, and some others; characters who seem to spend a lot of time in the shower… It’s a comical ride from the first message to decode, to the travel-by-all-manner-of-transportation.
Directed by Nicholas Collett, the characters are everywhere, utilising the minimalist properties to maximum effect. Robertson dips and switches from one to the next with speed and dexterity and keeps the story moving.
The lighting and thematic music are powerful tools to suggest other films, but ultimately continue to bring us back to Bond. We travel the world with Bond, but the car chase scene is a stand out comedic transportation highlight.
Robertson is no slouch when it comes to mime (a vastly underutilised stage tool), and to his credit, expertly whipped out some suspected improvisation when a couple of characters started to get away.
Warning: some imaginary animals were potentially harmed in the making of this production. And it made me laugh out loud.
Pack your Rolex, frickin’ laser beam and pocket explosives, and look out for pussy galore, but not how you might think. Move past the few groan-worthy gags; it wouldn’t be Bond-tastic without them.
This is a highly entertaining show. If you like your Bond with smatterings of Connery, Cruise, Bourne and yes, Trevor Eve (in a certain light), this’ll be right up your Walther PPK.
So, what happens in the end?
Do you expect me to talk? No Mr Bond, I expect you to die.*
*Not a spoiler. Or is it?
Reviewed by Gordon Forester
- GMT Productions International
- GMT Productions International on Facebook
- Company Gavin Robertson
- Nicholas Collett Productions
Venue: The Forge Theatre, Marryatville High School, Kensington Road (enter via the car park on The Crescent)
Season: 8-19 October 2013
Duration: One hour
Tickets: $15 – $25
Bookings: Online through DramaTix or BASS, or at the door.
Photo Credit: GMT Productions International
More News
