Little Squirt is a masterpiece in creative writing, witty lyrics, a powerful message and a great sprinkling of humour
Presented by: Darby James and Quiet RIOT
Reviewed: 15 June, 2024
Remember the name Darby James – I guarantee that he is the next big thing in Australian theatre writing. Little Squirt is a masterpiece in creative writing, witty lyrics, a powerful message and a great sprinkling of humour.
A cabaret performance about sperm donation might sound like a taboo subject, but James approaches the subject matter with great respect and care. As we enter, we see James on stage dressed as a sailor — a seaman if you will. The show follows his time during Melbourne’s lockdowns during COVID in August 2021 when he comes across an online ad looking for sperm donors. What follows is sixty minutes of brilliant cabaret.
The score, composed by James, is filled with catchy tunes that on the surface sound like great, toe-tapping numbers. However, if you delve deep into them, they are lyrical masterpieces. James’s imagery is amazing and his play on words is excellent. Standout numbers had to be Legacy and as a I father myself, the lyrics to If I Were A Dad really struck a chord.
The set was simple, the props minimal, but the lack of distractions allowed the audience to hone in on James’s brilliant storytelling. The messages in it are ones that will sit with people in different ways, and James makes you view parenthood from a different perspective.
Little Squirt may have only had a short run in Adelaide, but it is soon heading over to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. I’m sure this won’t be the only time Adelaide gets to see this powerful and thought-provoking piece of theatre.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: Quartet Bar, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: ended
