This production is totally engaging. A definite must see for this Fringe
Presented by Shark Island Institute and The Arts Lab Kangaroo Valley
Reviewed 17 February 2021
In trying to decide what this play is about I found I made a list of key subjects; remembering, not remembering, friendship, loss, pain, joy, regret and labels. Of course, the play is about two friends who reunite to rework the Shakespeare play they appeared in at school 40 years ago, The Comedy of Errors. They both remember it as a defining moment; the time when they played the twins and both dreamed of going to NIDA. But really the subject is labels.
What we call ourselves, how we view other people, assumptions we make, the bias we don’t even know we have. This play is remarkable in the way it treats so many subjects, so open and honest and above all ringing of truth.
Greg Fleet is a well know comic, actor and writer but I would venture to say that he has never been more open and honest. Ian Darling has carved a different niche in the arts; director, documentary film maker, photographer amongst other things. These two have been friends for over 40 years and the memory and interest that exists between them is the flesh of this production, but it explores much more.
The stated intention is to write a twohanded version of The Comedy of Errors but it doesn’t get far. The examination of their bonds and their lives is fascinating and leads to attempts at self-evaluation and introspection. This makes great theatre.
Written by Fleet and Darling with the assistance of Sarah Butler (who was also the original director) this is Fringe gold. Eventually directed by Terry Serio (when Covid and family illness made it impossible for Butler) this production is engaging, with complimentary popular music operated on cue by Brad Thomson. A definite must see for this Fringe.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: The Studio Holden Street Theatres
Season: 16Feb 2021-21 March 2021
Duration: 90mins
Tickets: $25-$31
Bookings: http://holdenstreettheatres.com/index.php/HST-Fringe-Programs/hst-adelaide-fringe-2021/twins
Rating out of 5: 5
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