Review – Gravity Boots: Can you believe we’re in a forest?
Gravity Boots are a comedy duo from Adelaide, Michael Cleggett and James Lloyd-Smith, who have returned home with this bizarre and hilarious new show after a mentorship with cult comedy favourite Paul Foot and a couple of seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe. Directed by well-loved Adelaide comedian Steve Sheehan, it’s a difficult show to describe. It takes the form of a half-dozen or so short sketches about a handful of bizarre characters, from lazy spiders to jailbird teddybears to a pair of soul-hunting ghosts, and if that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will.
Can You Believe We’re In A Forest is subtly disturbing and extremely funny, usually at the same time. The script is dense and thrilling, a surreal lyrical experience that will make you want a copy for a closer reading (or at least a second viewing). The absolute commitment to the bizarre language from the two excellent performers makes every line compelling and hilarious – you won’t know what the hell is going on, but you’ll definitely want to know what happens next. Think The Mighty Boosh with a touch of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! –absurd humour taken to new heights.
It runs for less than an hour, and is a good one to combine with one of the Tuxedo Cat’s various other offerings. (For those not in the loop, the venue has moved since last year, from North Terrace to Hyde Street.) If you’re a fan of the surreal side of comedy, you can’t miss it. If you aren’t – hey, they do say the Fringe is a great time to try new things.
A concise, beautifully written and darkly hilarious little show. Don’t miss out.
