You don't need to be a Shakespeare scholar to enjoy
Macbeth: A Variety Show By Default. The show sees the action unfold as the lead character of Macbeth is murdered on stage. When Detective Fredericcio (Nick Hunter) arrives at the crime scene, the show turns to variety acts to keep the audience entertained.
Macbeth: A Variety Show By Default is a play within a play - a conceit that Shakespeare himself enjoyed using. Despite some Macbeth references, anyone (with a sense of humour) can find enjoyment here.
The variety acts that are put on for the audience include a dabbling of magic, hula hooping, a quick stand up comedy act, a bit of stripping (not of the exotic dancing kind), song and interpretive dance.
Without giving away too much (although the above picture does give you quite a vivid idea), the interpretive dance act is definitely the showstopper and my favourite part of the night. Being a dancer myself, I thoroughly enjoyed Ted Crosby's performance and manly unitard.
I also thought that Nick Hunter's characterisation of the Detective was a standout. Fredericcio steals some of the funniest moments. He comes across as imbecilic, lost and very un-detective-like, which works well in this context.
The Mystery Band (Joshua Flowers, Nick Gunn, Ed Gunn and Samuel Moginie) plays in the intermission on the second floor. I like that there's something going on in the intermission. It's not often that you're entertained even in the break. The band also lend their talent to the music and sound effects of the show.
After the intermission, the show leads up to solving Macbeth's murder. Could it be on of the three beguiling witches, the Director or the Stage Hand who committed the murder? Find out and be confronted with sexual innuendo, low-blow jokes and a decidedly quirky turn of events.
Macbeth: A Variety Show By Default is on at
The Gaelic as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival for another week. Get your hands on some tickets as soon as you can. The kitchen and bar are open until 9pm, so sit back, relax and enjoy a plate of nachos with your cider (like we did).
Show Duration: 80 Minutes
Written by Seaton Kay-Smith and directed by Nick Hunter
Note: I attended the opening night as a guest of the production.
