Adelaide Fringe. The Garden of Unearthly Delights, LeCascadeur. 2 Mar 2013
Any parents taking their children to a show called Mr Snot-Bottom’s Stinky Smelly Show shouldn’t expect to see Snow White. This cunning production really is about snot, bottoms, stinks and smells, as well as farts and hairy arm pits.
The tent full of parents, older children, much younger children, and even a discreetly breast feeding baby all beside themselves with enjoyment is a testament to the success of this tight production conceived by stand-up comedian Mark Trenwith and performed by him and two appealing characters, Derek the Snot Hankie and the down trodden Flem, not to mention the technical operation wizardry of Paul the Mixer.
With the Clipsal cars whizzing round just across the road; the noise of the children inside the tent; and the general external sounds coming from The Garden, how would Mr Snot-Bottom break through the sound barrier? Well he did, with the aid of a head mic and the vigorous high quality performance presence of Trenwith (more used to the quiet of The Rhino Room than the roar of motorcars and the raw pleasure of a youthful audience).
There is little storyline, but lots of physical slapstick, sight gags and well placed fun that any child under the age of twelve would appreciate. Trenwith has done his generational research and very few moments miss the mark through this fifty minute performance. The moments that did miss were mainly references to adult material or the occasional long word. The danger of a show like this lies not in the material but the alienation of the youthful audience when they don’t understand the material used. Alienate the kids and you alienate their parents . . . swiftly.
Trenwith, in his canary yellow slacks, silk tie and natty stripped jacket is a total contradiction. He could be at a sophisticated garden party, instead, everything that comes out of his mouth is outrageous - but never crude - and he never talks down to the youthful audience. They respond accordingly.
The adults get quite a few swipes and one luckless dad got to participate on stage much to his own, and the rest of the audiences’, amusement.
Mr Snot-Bottom’s sidekicks, Derek the Snot Hankie and Flem (always trying to sing her nursery rhymes but having to suffer Mr Snot-Bottom’s untimely interruptions) help the show zing along. And just when the show starts to flag a bit at three quarter time, Trenwith introduces some neat visual large screen projection wizardry.
There is plenty of opportunity for young people and their parents to get involved vocally with the onstage action. Trenwith uses all his skill as a mature stand-up comedian to provoke responses throughout the show. He has an incisive energy that seldom loses its thrust.
Surely this is the first Fringe show that comes with a K + A rating . . . Kids must accompany Adults otherwise they (the adults) might find this production too confronting. This show is not for the feint hearted parent trying to move their young ones away from thoughts of snot, bottoms, stinks, smells and other taboo areas that Trenwith propels them into. Be warned, this show is also quite loud.
The final comment on the show comes from Thomas an eight year old: “Fun…ny!” The generous applause and the crowd of children and their parents chatting with Mr Snot-Bottom after the show re-enforced Thomasʼs pithy comment.
Martin Christmas
When: 9 to 17 Mar
Where: The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Le Cascadeur
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
