Review – Kaput

SORT of like a Chaplian-esque silent movie on stage, Kaput is a rollicking hour of slapstick brilliance
complete with ladders, buckets and plank gags. Tom’s timing was impeccable, his acrobatics impressive
and his facials spoke a thousand words. He worked hard.

The show is centred about a old timey picture-show gone wrong, which includes, among the many era-
appropriate props, a projector with an upset stomach. The instantly likable protagonist’s innocent charm
and ineptitude invite the audience, successfully, to empathise with him throughout his tribulations: a
series of snafus that invariably lead to more and more trouble. The all-ages angle works well with a
number of gags layered to appeal concurrently to varying levels of maturity or worldliness. Take the kids,
they’ll get a good giggle (and maybe even some pop-corn!). Being a mime, Tom has had to come up with
some cleverly inventive ways to deal with hecklers (heckle him and see!).

Quirky, flirtatious, highly energetic and a fairly sure bet for any but the most jaded of punters: perhaps
fans of Tom’s earlier work may appeal for more stunts, but I for one, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.