Review: The Ridiculousness Of Cop Shows, Cartoons And Comics Comes Together In New Australian Comedy LEOPARDSKIN

Wednesday 27th March 2019, 7:30, KXT Kings Cross

Jack Rabbit Theatre presents the world premiere of Michael McStay's LEOPARDSKIN, madcap spoof of the crimes shows that entertained generations of children. Directed by Samantha Young, this is a light piece of silly comedy that takes you back to the days of cartoons, comics and B grade detective movies.

The premise of the work is that Luka (Guy O'Grady), a seasoned con artist has fallen in love with Val (Zoe Jensen) and she's quickly picking up the trade even though she'd prefer it if Luka would give it up, stop lying and get an honest job so they can settle down. Once again, Luka is arrested by the hapless Officer Beaks (Emma Kew) and whilst waiting at the police station gets wind of a party to be thrown by Billionaire Giuseppe Monteverdi (Travis Jeffery) where he'll be giving away a expensive artifact. His ex-girlfriend, Olive Darling (Ella Watson-Russell), now Senator overseeing the Police force and the Sergeant (Nick Gell) try to thwart his plans and chaos ensues.

With echoes of the superheroes that became unrecognizable with a simple change of attire (think Clark Kent/Superman), dominatrix inspired power women and dopey sidekicks (think Boris and Natasha) and cutesy, seemingly innocuous feminine figures (think Powderpuff Girls), LEOPARDSKIN turns the fight for the law on its head whilst also holding a message for never underestimating the power and skills of women. The cast move around the traverse staging with ease and Young, who also designed the set and costumes, translates cartoon disappearing acts with absurd ingenuity and the simplicity of children's television where a curtain is enough to hide someone from view from the characters even if their feet can still be seen by the audience. Drawing on the title of the work, Young has incorporated leopard skin print into each performer's costume and the ties between furs and a sense of extravagance is expressed through the gold set, from sequin curtains to a gold flecked cream stage.

O'Grady is suitably endearing as the con artist, making it believable that the sweet Val and the ambitious Olive could both have fallen under his spell, whilst also having that air of being a touch too self-assured as he doesn't consider that a girl could better him. Jensen presents a plucky protégé in her portrayal of Val, the young woman jealous of her lover's ex and determined to prove that she can outwit him with the intent to convince him to retire. Watson-Russell exhibits the traits one would expect of a powerful political climber with a severity and sneakiness. Kew doubles in the roles of Officer Beaks, a rich lady hoping to secure Monteverdi's money for her own ridiculous charity, a street vendor and a bounder at the party. Whilst all minor roles she ensures that they are easily delineated with some brilliant moments of physical and dramatic comedy. Similarly, Gell doubles, taking on the role of Luca's unsuspecting target, another rich socialite seeking to get hold of the expensive trinket and a carnival bearded lady in addition to the Sergeant. Adopting wildly different accents he transforms from old man to cocky fortune teller with ease. Jeffery is hilarious as the camp millionaire who transforms with an eye patch into a mysterious private detective.

Whilst not too taxing mentally, LEOPARDSKIN does present as a subtle statement on treatment of women. Amusing and light hearted, easy to digest, this is a fun piece of fluff where you can escape from the real world.

http://www.kingsxtheatre.com/leopardskin