Certified Male
Wed, 7 Feb 2001, 01:47 pmWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Certified Male
Wed, 7 Feb 2001, 01:47 pmI saw this show at the Regal last night and before I started writing this review, I read the general comments made about 'You're an Idiot' and 'Withnail and I' and felt I could repeat some of them here. I guss that means we don't have to rely on the ES professionals to give us our regular dose of belly laughs and pathos as delivered by slick and polished performers, which is a good thing.
Inspired by "Manhood", Steve Biddulph's bible for the so-called 'Men's Movement' of the early 90s, this show takes a sympathetic but generally light-hearted look at the sorry plight of the straight Aussie male of child-bearing age. It uses a plethora of theatrical techniques including music, song, dance and mime as well as impressively simple design and effects. My favourite bit was the underwater sequence featuring Alex (Glyn Nicholas) and Jeff (Peter Rowesthorne).
The cast of 4 men worked well together and individually and were obviously so familiar with their material they could ad lib and break character from time to time without losing the momentum of the piece. My only real criticism is that the piano (in silent-movie mode) was often a bit obtrusive albeit overall impressive. And oh yes, someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing.
In all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre and I for one found a few messages to take home. It is getting a bit dated though and apart from the obvious, I don't think there would have been much there for women or gay men.
Inspired by "Manhood", Steve Biddulph's bible for the so-called 'Men's Movement' of the early 90s, this show takes a sympathetic but generally light-hearted look at the sorry plight of the straight Aussie male of child-bearing age. It uses a plethora of theatrical techniques including music, song, dance and mime as well as impressively simple design and effects. My favourite bit was the underwater sequence featuring Alex (Glyn Nicholas) and Jeff (Peter Rowesthorne).
The cast of 4 men worked well together and individually and were obviously so familiar with their material they could ad lib and break character from time to time without losing the momentum of the piece. My only real criticism is that the piano (in silent-movie mode) was often a bit obtrusive albeit overall impressive. And oh yes, someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing.
In all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre and I for one found a few messages to take home. It is getting a bit dated though and apart from the obvious, I don't think there would have been much there for women or gay men.
Walter PlingeWed, 7 Feb 2001, 01:47 pm
I saw this show at the Regal last night and before I started writing this review, I read the general comments made about 'You're an Idiot' and 'Withnail and I' and felt I could repeat some of them here. I guss that means we don't have to rely on the ES professionals to give us our regular dose of belly laughs and pathos as delivered by slick and polished performers, which is a good thing.
Inspired by "Manhood", Steve Biddulph's bible for the so-called 'Men's Movement' of the early 90s, this show takes a sympathetic but generally light-hearted look at the sorry plight of the straight Aussie male of child-bearing age. It uses a plethora of theatrical techniques including music, song, dance and mime as well as impressively simple design and effects. My favourite bit was the underwater sequence featuring Alex (Glyn Nicholas) and Jeff (Peter Rowesthorne).
The cast of 4 men worked well together and individually and were obviously so familiar with their material they could ad lib and break character from time to time without losing the momentum of the piece. My only real criticism is that the piano (in silent-movie mode) was often a bit obtrusive albeit overall impressive. And oh yes, someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing.
In all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre and I for one found a few messages to take home. It is getting a bit dated though and apart from the obvious, I don't think there would have been much there for women or gay men.
Inspired by "Manhood", Steve Biddulph's bible for the so-called 'Men's Movement' of the early 90s, this show takes a sympathetic but generally light-hearted look at the sorry plight of the straight Aussie male of child-bearing age. It uses a plethora of theatrical techniques including music, song, dance and mime as well as impressively simple design and effects. My favourite bit was the underwater sequence featuring Alex (Glyn Nicholas) and Jeff (Peter Rowesthorne).
The cast of 4 men worked well together and individually and were obviously so familiar with their material they could ad lib and break character from time to time without losing the momentum of the piece. My only real criticism is that the piano (in silent-movie mode) was often a bit obtrusive albeit overall impressive. And oh yes, someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing.
In all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre and I for one found a few messages to take home. It is getting a bit dated though and apart from the obvious, I don't think there would have been much there for women or gay men.
Walter PlingeFri, 9 Feb 2001, 05:24 pm
RE: Certified Male
"I don't think there would have been much there for women or gay men."
Don't women and gay men also have a sense of humour and the ability to empathise with the "other" sex?
I'm a "woman" and I laughed. I even got a few messages too!
Thoroughly recommended by me.
PS I agree that "someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing" and with every other comment.
Don't women and gay men also have a sense of humour and the ability to empathise with the "other" sex?
I'm a "woman" and I laughed. I even got a few messages too!
Thoroughly recommended by me.
PS I agree that "someone should tell Don Barker he can't sing" and with every other comment.