Play Time

Play Time
Back Door Productions. Fringe World (WA). The Black Flamingo, The Pleasure Garden, Russell Square, Northbridge, WA. Jan 27 -31, 2018

Play Time is what may happen if children’s television was made for young adults. We join Adam, Kate, Liv and Jake as they learn important things that young adults should know.

Fun and colourfull, it uses a Playschool-like format to teach adult skills to the characters and audience.

Kier Shoosmith gives depth to Jake, who drowns his problems in alcohol. Katie, played with skill and enthusiasm by Jocelyn Campbell, is confused about many things - especially about why she is paid less than her male colleagues (‘The Vagina Song’ is an audience favourite). Liv struggles with anxiety as an over-achiever who is no longer winning, played expertly by Madeleine Shaw, who nails the song “I’m Fine”, while Adam, a very funny Mark Retzlaff, faces the dilemma of being a Straight White Male, with Unpopular Opinions.

An edgy little World Premiere musical, Playtime includes its audience in much of the fun and doesn’t take itself terribly seriously. The closing song, made especially for Fringe World, is particularly clever, so make sure you pay attention as they literally usher you out the door.

A kids show that is definitely not for kids, this 10pm show is a great choice for your last show of the evening, but be quick as it closes Jan 31.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Michell Shoosmith

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.