Flick tells the story of a naive ‘alien’ sent to earth with a mission to “fit in”. This play, directed by Peita Collard, kicks of memorably with a movement piece which is best described as an absurd collision of science fiction and electronic funk with psychedelic undertones.
The absurdity of the opening sequence permeates the entire play, but in a measured and controlled manner which enables the audience to easily follow the somewhat peculiar storyline and become engaged with the characters. The character of Flick is childlike in innocence and bursting at the seams with energy. Elissa Doxey, who portrays Flick, is terrific at bringing that enthusiasm to the stage and being the binding gel that holds the storyline and the various characters together. This is a character that could be quite easy to dislike, in a Polyanna/Bindi Irwin kind of way, but through the sheer physicality of her performance, Elissa ensures that the raunchiness and humour of her character remains intact and steers her away from nauseating.
Written by Therese Cloonan, the play moves along efficiently, with some clever moments of poetic dialogue peppering the script. Some of the one liners provide big laughs but more often it is amusing rather than hilarious. The biggest laughs come from the larger than life moments of camp surrealism that all four performers seem to ham up with glee.
Although only a forty five minute piece, Flick’s journey covers themes of death, heartache and joy, running Flick through a fast paced gamut of emotions as she progressively becomes more and more like the humans she was sent to observe. As the play progresses the story touches on existential themes, layering the premise with larger implications, and questioning Flicks role as observer/participant.
Although listed in the “performance” part of the guide this play is well worth seeing by comedy buffs. Flick is a fun, pacey show which provides many light moments, and several genuine laughs along the way.