Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: Three Blind Mice

VCA graduates Izabella Yena, Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol have brought their award-nominated co-conceived show Three Blind Mice to the Adelaide Fringe.

Presented by Mousetrap Theatre
Reviewed 27 February 2017

VCA graduates Izabella Yena, Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol have brought their award-nominated co-conceived show Three Blind Mice to the Adelaide Fringe. The show follows Shaz, an awkward agoraphobic who finds friendship in the two life-sized mice that sneak into her apartment. Unfortunately her neighbour is determined to eradicate the mice from their precinct by any means necessary. This story of acceptance and outsiders is funny and charming and lays some groundwork for the Australian refugee discussion.

In the central role of Shaz, Johnston is a delight to watch as she makes her way through comic daily routines. She carefully maintains balance within her character ensuring it is never too ridiculous or childish. Nichol and Yena are both double cast each playing one of Shaz’s friends and a mouse. Nichol portrays Johnno the Postman to perfection. His accent and physical comedy never fail to appeal and his final reaction to Shaz’s romantic advances is shocking and powerful. Yena displays the most versatility with wonderful characterisation differences between the mouse-murdering neighbour and the innocent little mouse.

Costuming is bright and stylised working well with the broad humour used throughout. The set design works well in the difficult Bakehouse Studio space but, as a touring show, there does appear to be signs that it was designed to fit a different space. Lighting is subtle but effective adding mood but not overtly displaying itself.

The writing displayed by these three performers is solid and hilarious. Gags, both physical and verbal, are littered throughout the script and every single one lands beautifully. The use of broad Australian accents brings much appeal to this show and works well with the style of humour.

There is, however, one issue surrounding the overall meaning of the play. Small television snippets clearly indicate that this story of eradicating mice is an analogy for the Australian refugee debate. Unfortunately many of these connections are difficult to identify. On deeper analysis, it is often unclear what is for humour’s sake and what is supposed to represent some bigger ideal. The show’s Pozible page indicates that this show is for children – which could explain the simplicity and lack of clarity – but inappropriate sexual jokes would make it too inappropriate for that kind of audience.

Ultimately Three Blind Mice offers an enjoyable night at the theatre that could offer up the beginnings of a political discussion. Further development of the script could definitely make this a formidable centre for conversations around the topic. As a late evening show, this would be a fun one to round out an evening of other theatre.

Reviewed by Nathan Quadrio

Rating out of 5:  3.5

Venue:  Bakehouse Studio Theatre
Season:  February 27th – March 4th
Duration:  50 mintues
Tickets:  $10.50 – $20
Bookings:  https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/three-blind-mice

https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/threeblindmiceaus/

https://pozible.com/project/three-blind-mice-adelaide-fringe

 

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