Presented by Motley & Mac
Reviewed 18 February 2017
Prohibition began with a crack about being set in the past, but that people from Adelaide should be used to that. Despite it being a slightly over-done and too easy jibe, it still got laughs and they continued for the rest of the light-hearted show. What you’ll get with Prohibition is a mid-range (both in terms of price and headliner) Cabaret/Physical Theatre production featuring 1930s era costumes, soundtrack and even it’s own “jaded private dick”, Dirk Darrow.
On the first Saturday of the 2017 Fringe, the Speakeasy at Gluttony was almost at capacity. Starting with Irishman, “Paddy the Plank” who welcomed the audience to the illegal speakeasy, it continued with dazzling vocals, impressive acrobatics and balancing acts, comedy and even sword swallowing.
The 80-minute show went quickly, such was the variety and quality of the acts that made up this taster-style production. A highlight was a comedic “hunchback” who had great audience interaction for his simple, but hilarious role that involved ping pong balls, mime, darts and one poor “volunteer” from the crowd. “Jaded private dick” Dirk Darrow was slick, sauve and so cheesy that his politically incorrect jokes hit just the right mark. He also did an amazing card trick, telling the story of the 647 club.
The acrobatics component of the show also showcased some amazing talent — look out for the trick involving balancing on a roller topped with several shelves of cocktail glasses. The circus-style muscle man not only proved he was swallowing a sword by injesting one that resembled a light sabre, hence illuminating his innards as it descended, but he also swallowed a genuine pointy sword, while balancing upside down on one hand!
If there are any criticisms, it’s that the stage was slightly too small to show off the acrobatics to their full potential, and there were several timing mishaps that resulted in minor accidents (but no-one was hurt). There were also a few sound system issues with intermittent echoing in the mics.
Overall, however, Prohibition was excellent value for money and a genuinely fun show. Lots of atmosphere, lots of funny stuff, lots of talent. Go see it!
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Twitter: @SamStaceyBond
Rating out of 5: 4
Venue: The Speakeasy at Gluttony
Season: 17 Feb – 19 March
Duration: 80 minutes
Tickets: $15 — $38
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/prohibition
https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
https://www.prohibitioncabaret.com
https://www.facebook.com/ProhibitionCabaret/
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