All the Single Ladies

I'm currently involved in Buzzcuts - a critical arts reviewing program run each year by Express Media, a youth literary organisation. Aiming to build the skills, confidence and exposure of young writers, this worthy program first trains us in the art of arts reviewing in a weekend workshop, then lets us loose on the unsuspecting artists in the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Last night I saw my first show, and I must admit... I got some pleasure out of finding two complementary tickets waiting for me at the box office. Simple things, I know. The play was situated in a tiny room on the upper floor of the North Melbourne Town Hall, with only nine audience members. I forget that you don't start by playing to a packed house. It makes me that much more nervous for the performers when they have such a tiny crowd - pressure to get a reaction is high, to avoid an overwhelming sense of awkwardness.

Anyway I won't say anymore, below is my review. It was a good show, perhaps a little under-rehearsed, but I've read good things about the comedians' past efforts, and it was opening night, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Enjoy.

All Gary and Milo are looking for are some cheat codes to help them in life. When they encounter a mysterious book that claims to give them all the answers, it’s possible they may have earned themselves some bonus rounds.

Based loosely on ‘The Game’ by Neil Strauss, ‘All the Single Ladies’ follows two unlucky-in-love computer geeks on their quest to discover the art of seduction. This entertaining play is jam-packed with gaming and pop culture references, appealing to everyone’s inner nerd.

With a history of national stand-up tours and sold-out Comedy Festival shows, rising young comics Tommy Dassalo and Bart Freebairn have far more comedic experience under their belts than their ages would suggest. The pair are relaxed and confident on stage, bringing their characters to life so believably that you get the sense this world is not altogether foreign to them.

An appearance by comedian Dave Callan as jumpsuit-clad love guru Mufasa injects extra energy into the performance, though at times leads it to a more shambolic place.

The cosy Rehearsal Room at the North Melbourne Town Hall provides an intimate setting for the hour-long show. Though the sets are minimal, use of props and audiovisuals successfully bolsters the gags. The dialogue is witty, however at some points didn’t quite hit the mark, proving to be a little too nonsensical to draw laughs from the small audience.

With references to Pokemon, Nintendo DS and online chat forums, the show is aimed squarely at a younger crowd. Gen Xs will particularly appreciate the use of old-style Nintendo sound effects, which evoked a misty-eyed nostalgia for my companion and I.

Despite some opening night technical hiccups, ‘All the Single Ladies’ is an entertaining journey into the world of male self-help and the internet, and is guaranteed to make you LOL.