Around the Campfire

Kids and kidults alike are treated to improvised songs, stories and comedy sketches in Around the Campfire. The show is packed with imaginative flights of fancy and laugh-out-loud moments.

It opens with the charismatic host Cameron Watson as camp director and Mark Grimes as the musical director on stage, warming up the crowd with some banter and singing. They have a comfortable rapport and work well with the audience. The remainder of the ample cast is introduced, with each having their own unique character to play. Everyone is well cast in their roles and costuming is effective at supporting the characterisation.

The strongest improvisers in the show are Jim Reynolds, Cameron Watson, Taylor Edwards, Brad Daniels and Mark Grimes.These seasoned performers are supportive of each other, they show great timing, outstanding characterisation and excellent storytelling. While the other performers are also skilled, each does suffer from a little lapse in technique here and there, such as blocking, railroading, failing to listen, and overcrowding scenes. The size of the cast does feel somewhat generous and the overcrowding issue could possibly be alleviated by cutting two or more of the weaker cast members from the show.

Sets by Rosa Sottile and Cameron Watson are fun, artistic and useful to the cast. The stage is used very effectively throughout the energetic performance. The fire gobo adds an extra element of fun to the design.

Chris Martin has done a great job of directing the show. There’s a lovely cohesion and you can easily see this format working successfully on a national tour or children’s TV. Improvised comedy, when performed well, is an absolute joy to behold. Big Fork Theatre is definitely bringing the joy with this delightful, family-friendly offering.

Kiesten McCauley

Show image by Images by Anderson