Review: NOSFERATUTU is Bloody Fantastic! Run, Don't Walk! at Griffin Theatre Company

Forget Dracula. Forget Edward. Forget Angel. Forget Lestat. Let's talk about Kevin.

Amidst what promises to be an abhorrent night at the ballet, the lead dancer of One-Man Swan Lake is suddenly attacked by the latest in a string of fictional fiendish blood-suckers. As the performer lays bleeding, and frantic usher tries to appease the fiasco Kevin frantically sets about rectifying, the audience ushers between abject terror, crippling humour and tender emotion getting to know him better. Captained by the captivating cabaret wunderkind Tommy Bradson, Nosferatutu or Bleeding at the Ballet was a hilarious variation on a theme.

Bradson is a revelation of character, song and improvisational talent. The Kevin creation speaks to themes of isolation, alienation and questioning self-worth while at the same time counter-playing with devices of violence, pop culture and hissing deprecating discourse. He masters setting up the audience for the joke and then twisting the knife right at the end for that last gasp of laughter. Sheridan Harbridge is perfect opposite him as the unwitting, unwilling usher desperate for escape, but also desperate for her own shot at the spotlight. Doubling as director, Harbridge demonstrates spectacular talent for roping in the unexpected, and the more finessed components of physical comedy: the Dracula is in the detail after all. As these two tête-à-tête, Brandyn Kaczmarczyk boosts the ridiculous elements from underneath; where he is slowly bleeding to death.

As with every production at the SBW Stables where Griffin's Independent season is given a chance to be seen and considered amongst the elite and polished of Sydney writing and performance, design is a make-or-break element. Ashisha Cunningham has made the house down, with her set that splendidly smashed together the gothic with the whimsical without overcomplicating or overindulging. Alex Berlange's lighting was used to strong comedic effect, with particular reference to the swan song sequences, pun intended. This was a production for everyone to get involved in, with much respect to the technicians and to the live musicians (which was a terrific choice, brought much texture and depth that might've been lost, and made the inclusion of dubbed sound jarring and truly jump-inducing). Steven Kreamer, Sally Schinckel-Brown, and Olga Solar were, shall we say, instrumental in the show feeling impromptu and raw in its emotional endeavours.

Undoubtedly worth a ticket in its final hours, Nosferatutu is a smart, potent and hilarious craft to stretch genres, morals and seams alike.

Tickets are available here.
Images by Lucy Parakhina.