Adelaide Fringe. Matt Byrne Media. Maxim’s Wine Bar. 26 Feb 2014
Is it possible you have not seen and loved at least one Matt Byrne show? dateless.com is the latest in a conga line of Vaudevillian comedies written, produced by and starring Matt Byrne, specifically for the Fringe. Always thematic and never phlegmatic, I have been entertained in fringes past by Pricks (doctors and nurses), PIGS (cops), Chalkies (teachers), Bogans (bogans) - the list goes on. This one is very likely about you, and if not, you are probably looking forward to your 40th anniversary.
Following the formula, we are introduced to George Carpet (Byrne), Rhonda Backseat (Kim York), Kendra Catley (Sophie Lee Hamilton), and Jack Lovegun (Marc Clement) – all on the prowl. The first five minutes alone covers the kaleidoscope of drama, pitfalls, exhilaration and disappointments of online dating as each one announces their particular needs. It is here that one begins to feel the presence of Byrne’s evenhanded and sympathetic writing on the online dating regime. Yes, double entendre, puns and gags follows in quick succession, but the thoughtfulness of Byrne’s approach is behind it all.
Besides the aforementioned dateless foursome, the actors are called upon to perform a number of ancillary characters usually signified with canny voice work, and body and facial language that while highly recognisable are never stereotyped. They are all fetching and/or cute. Byrne wrote distinctively for a great number of characters brought to life with successful individuality.
Byrne’s pathetic divorcee after 29 years was spot on. York’s Rhonda was warm, vivacious and deserving - you just wanted to reach out and give her a hug. Hamilton’s Catley was sensuous, provocative and suitably feline, while Clement’s Lovegun was, what did he say? Alpha male, alfalfa male? Anyways, he sprouted a fetching penis puppet with whom he sang a melodious duet! Bravo! When the actors weren’t on stage, they sat on an upstaging mile-long sofa and looked like they were waiting for the dentist. A word: gone but not forgotten.
The crowd loved it and you will too. Oh, did I mention there is also an opportunity to actually meet somebody new?
David Grybowski
When: 27 Feb to 16 Mar
Where: Maxim’s Wine Bar
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
