How to become a BETTER PERSON **** 1/2

‘How to become a BETTER PERSON’ by Imp Productions for ARTRAGE, is showing at PICA in Northbridge at 8.00 pm until SUNDAY 12^th November.

This is ‘Cinderella’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ combined and presented in pantomime style. Add the zany comedy of Mr Bean and a satirical look at life today, you should know what to expect. As the scene opens to reveal the poor elf (Jackson Castiglione), slaving away in the kitchen of an overbearing employer (Mark Evans). The slave has to watch on as the tyrant gets everything – good food, life style and a beautiful woman (Pilar Mata Dupont). Will the elf’s luck change? Will he ever be able to take his love on a romantic journey, in a golden carriage? Or will it be an unachievable dream? Where do Benny Hill and Skippy fit in? Well you will just have to see this hilarious show to find out.

Steve Hearne’s sound design was inventive and very well blended with his appropriate mood music to create an outstanding backing track. The wonderful sound effects were clever and timed to the split second. The set and fabulous props were also a major part of this production (Bryan Woltjen), at first glance you see a sandstone castle – but this is a cardboard box set with many smart innovations.  Mike Nanning’s lighting design added magic and drama at the appropriate spots in the show.

Director Sanjiva Margio, kept the pace cracking along, there was a slight flat spot when the pathos (and message) of the story came towards the end, but it soon drew back together for the grand finale.

A minor suggestion. Rowan Atkinson achieved much of his comedy for Mr Bean by being introverted and unaware of his surroundings. By playing to the gallery in the first scene, I felt some of this subtly and sympathy was lost.

The team of three, especially Jackson Castiglione, put every ounce of strength into this show. With a cast of three accomplishing dancing, singing, acting and most of the scene shifting, they continued to smile when exhaustion must have been starting to win.

For admirers of Mr Bean and kids of all ages, although children may well miss the ‘avarice of today’ message. A feel good show.