Adelaide Fringe 2016
Fag/Stag
Royal Croquet Club & The Last Great Hunt
Genre: Theatre
Venue: Ukiyo - Royal Croquet Club, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide
Festival: Adelaide Fringe
Low Down
Two friends find themselves surprisingly affected by the wedding announcement of an ex-girlfriend. Although Corgan is understandably upset by the news, having broken up with her only a few years ago, Jimmy is affected by his best friend’s emotional turmoil. The story focuses on Jimmy and Corgan who navigate the treacherous waters of relationships and friendships. The two characters cleverly interchange positions and offer the audience different perspectives of the events that unfold.
Review
The most interesting elements of this show are the characters, long-time friends Jimmy and Corgan, who are both invited to their ex-girlfriend’s wedding. Corgan, who still harbours feelings for his ex, is a typical metrosexual young man – he cares about his looks, takes for granted some of the privileges he was born into and is, at times, oblivious to Jimmy’s own issues with his ex-boyfriend.
Jimmy cares deeply for his friend Corgan, so much so that even when they’re fighting he will still answer Corgan’s midnight ‘emergency’ calls and confronts him about his relatively trivial issues in a way only a brother or best friend can. They bond over Donkey Kong and not talking about their exes; the contrast between what they’re thinking and saying to each other is entertaining and witty to watch.
They carry the story by narrating their thoughts, their appraisal of each other, events that unfold and the different personalities that they interact with. The underlying differences and issues between gay relationships and heterosexual relationships are cleverly weaved into the story as both characters work through their insecurities, and what it means to be a friend.
Jeffrey Jay Fowler and Chris Isaacs (who play Jimmy and Corgan, respectively) deliver their lines perfectly, and time their interjections and entrances impeccably. The repartee is entertaining and insightful; however, the story takes a few long-winded detours, and some of the events and narrations are prolonged, which detract from the story and raise more questions than it answers. But again, the dialogue keeps the audience engaged.
There were a few noises and disturbances from outside the venue that intruded the space and disrupted the atmosphere. These disturbances made it difficult to determine whether there was meant to be any background music or sound effects for the performance. The lighting and production, at times, assisted in creating the atmosphere and setting the scene, but these were used so sparingly they were hardly noticeable. These were minor details as all eyes and ears were on Fowler and Isaacs who received more than a few well-deserved laughs throughout the performance for their quick-witted remarks and quips, and rousing applause at the end.
Note:
Coarse Language: Frequent
Violence: Mild
Sexual References: Frequent
