FRINGEWORLD 2017 – Come on Down (4 Stars)

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Review by Kieran Eaton

A youth production team making a parody of community television – ironic? I’d say a surprising attempt at awkward humour, in this immersive play – where the audience is the audience of a cheesy game show, hosted by an insecure but smug young TAFE student.  This student is ignorantly unaware of his lack of popularity, a relatable character in this day in age of validation junkies.

Come on Down has a strong independent feel and this adds to the suspension of disbelief in what is them and what is their art. With a television screen showing purposely shoddy camera work, there is some strong substance behind this piece. Though what assists this show in keeping interest is the character development of the three contestants – a Survivor contestant wannabe, a girl with social anxiety, and a nerdish cult fanatic who are all very odd.  The show pushes the boundaries of realism to create extra humour but this is, at times, to the detriment of the plot line.

When the three contestants get on stage the craziness begins and these young actors stay true to their weird characters throughout. The host’s smarmy smile is constant throughout to grab laughs, even when his jokes fall flat. The games they play are like lame rip-offs from game shows of past and present. This goes with the low budget theme where the contestants, only one at a time can sit on a milk crate!

So, Come on Down and see this show if you want to watch something a bit silly, for this production team has it in spades.

 

When: 7th – 11th February 2017 | 6:40pm

Where: Noodle Palace | Fringe Central | PERTH

Tickets: $19

Info: Duration 45 minutes | Suitable 15+ | WA Artist

Link: https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/event/come_on_down/6567e471-0e41-45f0-bbf6-854751ed7525/