Venue: PACT (Erskineville NSW), Nov 13 – 23, 2013

Friend Ship
Devisor: Kenzie Larsen
Actor: Kenzie Larsen

Blue Wizard
Devisor: Nick Coyle
Actor: Nick Coyle

Theatre review (of preview performance, Nov 13)
Tiny Stadiums this year presents a double bill at the PACT theatre, comprising two pieces by two artists, both quirky, and both working around concepts of loneliness.

Kenzie Larsen’s Friend Ship is a thoroughly funny exploration into the nature of human connection. Larsen is an unusual but strong performer with a sense of fearlessness, and uncanny comic timing. She reads her audience well, and is able to pull us into her eccentric world quickly and effectively. Her use of multimedia is intelligent and measured, even though the visuals do not attempt to be polished or sophisticated. The short films interspersed throughout her performance are as comical as the woman herself, and they are woven effortlessly into the live action. Larsen’s material is not particularly poignant, but it is extremely playful and the level of whimsy she achieves on stage is truly delightful. Her voice is a unique one, and must be encouraged to develop even further.

Blue Wizard features Nick Coyle playing a Windex-drinking intergalactic wizard who babysits and breast feeds a baby alien. The show commences with Coyle singing extravagantly to announce his arrival on Earth. His performance style suits the cabaret genre well, but unfortunately, no further songs are introduced into the show. Coyle has endearing idiosyncratic traits that suit the live stage well, and his material bears an uncommon queer sensibility. His skills do need refining, but there are glimpses of genius evident in his work.

www.pact.net.au
www.kenzielarsen.com.au
www.twitter.com/nickcoyles