By Colin Flaherty
Nothing To See Here, Just A Totally Normal Comedy Show, Wouldn’t Worry About It is the latest show by Jett Bond and Zoe Heim (with a special apearance by James Collopy). Known for their interesting, almost experimental, concepts, this is another work that subverts theatrical convention and cleverly blurs the line between the stage and outside world.
The Fringe program blurb spells out what happens but it’s done so kinda cryptically. This show is probably best experienced cold as the bulk of the humour comes from the many surprises in this roller coaster ride of a performance. Jett and Zoe have created a brilliant high energy story that sweeps up the audience into an almost cult like fervour.
This performance requires a great deal of audience participation to propel the plot forward. On the surface, the tasks assigned to the punters seem rather daunting as they seem to involve venturing past the safe confines of the theatre. We soon realise that we are in safe hands with a covert supporting cast to keep the interactions silly and fun for both participants and the rest of the audience.
There is a strong script at the heart of this show but the often ramshackle audience participation combined with very loose performances by both Jett and Zoe give the impression of a show that’s likely to fall apart at any moment. This sense of danger gives things a real spark that keeps the audience enthralled and rolling about throughout.
An extensive audio visual component drives this show using whiteboards, corkboards, pieces of paper and a projection screen. Their tech handles sound and lighting perfectly but curiously Zoe spends a fair chunk of the show tinkering on a laptop at side of stage to create the screen visuals. Some of this is in keeping with the story but it often leaves Jett alone with the audience to engage in some awkward banter that slows things down.
This is the first Fringe show that I’ve seen that creates a clear demarcation between paying audience and freeloading fellow performers. Whether this is a metaphor for the ticketing system or an attempt to stop other performers from upstaging them, both seem apt.
Despite its rough edges, this is an immensely fun and rather unique communal experience that fully embraces the spirit of the Fringe.
Nothing To See Here, Just A Totally Normal Comedy Show, Wouldn’t Worry About It is on at Theory Bar until October 19
