Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017: PROHIBITION at The Speakeasy, Gluttony

Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Tuesday 21st February 2017

Motley and Mac are back again this year with their marvellous cabaret variety show, Prohibition. Having seen it last year I just had to see this year's version, and that was a good move on my part. The audience was thoroughly engaged throughout, laughed and applauded continually, and left smiling broadly.

It is 1931 and prohibition is in force. Detective, Dirk Darrow, the alter ego of Tim Motley, is seeking bootlegger, Paddy the Plank, played by Patrick McCullagh, to shut down his illegal booze business. As we discovered last year, they not only portray their characters and weave some good humorous stories, they are also both magicians. Motley's story-telling card trick on the night went slightly awry, which he played on and generated a load of extra laughs. That is called professionalism.

Last year the duo introduced Australian acrobat, Caz Walsh, who works with Pants Down Circus, and they have brought her back this year. Her amazing balancing acts drew plenty of intakes of breath and much applause, particularly the one with wine glasses. You'll have to get a ticket to see what I mean by that.

Also back this year is Dado, the cheeky and childlike hunchback, again reducing the audience to fits of laughter with his hilarious antics. His performance is inspired and it is easy to miss how much skill is involved in so much of what he does, as he makes it all look so easy.

They have a new chanteuse this year and what a voice she has, matched by her stylish looks and charming persona. Climbing up a stack of balanced chairs, balancing billiard cues, and sword swallowing fall to their other new attraction, and he also works with Walsh in a double act.

Last year was hard to beat but, believe it or not, this year's production was even better. Be sure to catch a performance while you can. To post a comment, you must register and login.

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