Creatures of The Deep

Creatures of The Deep is an all age friendly hybrid show; promoting environmental awareness while adventuring beneath the sea to meet the plethora of wild sea creatures on the brink of extinction.

A satirical rendition of the French marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau (Ryan Smith) sits on the side of the stage; he MC’s and narrates an hilarious, comical phantasmagorical marine exploration with his motley team of interns Jean, Claude, Van, Damme and Tina.

Cousteau masterfully reels off an endless list of fish ranging from the pink meanie Jellyfish, blob fish, goldfish, bioluminescence fish, through to the grand old-daddy puffer fish. All carry signature ditties - musical accompaniments include guitar, ukulele, keyboard - plus original and inventive puppetry and costume.

The grieving Coral reminds us the Barrier Reef is rapidly on decline; the Humble Shark barber quartet, always on the positive, is a cleverly devised ensemble skit. Until Mr. Plastic Rubbish rears its ugly mess, and hook line and sinker the damage is done, telling us he’s as big as Russia, non-biodegradable and going nowhere.

Picked Last For Sport is the new production company conceived by Ryan Smith and Sarah Wall; both are committed to providing an educational and entertainment platform on environment and marine sustainable issues in theatre. Along with them, a bunch of talented cohorts have teamed up for this marvelous debut show including Jake Edgar, Chris Harris, Cat Sanzarro and Sean Sully.

The message is clear and one dollar from every ticket purchase goes to the Australian Marine Conservation Society. A cause well worth the effort. It’s packed with laughter and gleeful delights along with a tear or two.

A must-see amazing show!

Flora Georgiou

Photography by Matthew Howat. Artwork by Max Kaskamanidis.