CLOSE

Review: Table for Two? at State Theatre Centre of WA

Table for Two? at Rehearsal Room 1 @ State Theatre Centre of WA
Friday, January 20, 2023

9.5/10

There are certain shows which, by all rights, ARE the Fringe World Festival. Their very essence screams FRINGE and they become the shorthand for whatever comes to mind when one hears everyone’s favourite “F” word.

Table for Two? is a delightful new addition to the Perth Fringe World 2023 season, commencing its Western Australian debut after sold out seasons at Bondi Fest, Sydney and Adelaide fringe.

Presented by Will Tredinnick, a self-proclaimed ‘professional idiot,’ Table for Two? was a charming adventure into the forays of expertly crafted physical theatre, improvisation and hilarious nonsense.

In this interactive play set at the grand reopening of a restaurant, where the owner has boldly demanded that nothing can go wrong, the chaotic love child of beloved situational comedies like Fawlty Towers and The Play That Goes Wrong, the audience were transported through scenes of disaster and mayhem…

Physical theatre is notoriously difficult to perform, or rather, perform well, and the difference of a second in timing or poorly executed movement can easily render a good performance into an almost cringe-worthily self-indulgent slapstick disaster.

It is safe to say that Tredinnick’s clear rehearsal and preparation, not to mention his impressive ability to improvise and adapt to audience whims, avoided such danger and instead presented one of the most artful physical comedy performances of recent Fringe World history.

An element of surprise in the show was undoubtedly the sustained audience interaction throughout. Opening with several small interactions, his selection of a dumfounded victim (*ahem, participant) from the audience who was destined to play a significant role in the performance, was an unexpected direction. Not to mention a relief for those who were not selected, and merely laughed in sympathy for his participant Sophie, whose expressions of fear, bewilderment and sheer mortification (all in good spirit of course) so perfectly complemented Tredinnick’s own performance.

Equally commendable was Tredinnick’s hilarious characterisation, providing a range of well-thought-out personalities who were woven throughout the performance. A constant figure, almost Vigil-like in the befuddling Inferno of the restaurant reopening chaos, Will’s utterly incompetent, and yet endearing waiter character guided the audience through interactions with megalomaniacal restaurant owners and violently passionate chefs. A special commendation is also in order for the lighting and sound design throughout the performance which effortlessly complimented and elevated the beautiful nonsense of Will’s performance.

This is a show that should not be spoiled with an overtly specific review, as its elaborate arrangement of shocking surprises and ingenious gags must be witnessed with all the shock and hilarity that they deserve. Come prepared to laugh, but not a polite little laugh, a very big ugly, gasping-for-air-as-tears-run-down-my-face laugh, and then prepare to not be able to stop! Despite its short run, Table for Two? is not a show to miss.

BEC WELDON

 

 

x