Adelaide Fringe

Steve Sheehan’s A Little Horse Play – Adelaide Fringe 2011

Presented by Steve Sheenan
Reviewed Saturday 19 February 2011

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http:// www.tuxedocat.com.au
http://stevesheehan.com

Venue: Tuxedo Cat, 131 King William Street Adelaide
Season: 17 Feb – 6 Mar (Thursday-Monday only) at 6.30pm
Tickets: Tickets start at $3 on 17 Feb and finish at $18 on 6 Mar
Duration: 30-45 mins
Bookings: FringeTix 1300 FRINGE (374 643) or http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au

The title of comedian Steve Sheehan’s work-in-progress can be taken in a few ways. First and foremost, it’s like watching someone experiment with random ideas in front of a mirror, although he reacts and speaks directly to the audience.

Secondly, Sheehan wears a horse’s head for part of the show. What else would you do when playing an instrument?

And thirdly, he’s joined on stage by Adelaide mezzo-soprano Norma Knight, and Arapahoe, an actual miniature horse. Yes, there is a little horse.

Sheehan’s oddball humour and gentle disposition makes this show immensely likable, so much so that this reviewer has already bought tickets for the final performance. Why? Because it’s a work in progress. With each show, the ticket price increases a little; the length will no doubt extend beyond the current half hour; and at the end of each show, Sheehan gives out his number, sincerely inviting the audience to ring or SMS him with feedback and suggestions. It’s a novel idea but one that makes the audience’s eyes light up. Their challenge will be top the concept of a horse reading the TAB Guide!

Sheehan uses long looks, silent comedy, cue cards and his two sidekicks to create all manner of comical antics. As an accomplished keyboardist, he plays Liszt as he tells lame jokes and stories too. It’s all part of the meandering nature of this unstructured show that has already developed into something wonderfully fun and should keep getting better.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.

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