If David Lynch was writing a comedy play, it would probably turn out something like Pig Island’s Simply Fancy. Written by the actors themselves (Nick Coyle, Charlie Garber and Claudia O’Doherty), this is powerfully absurd theatre.
The show is introduced by Charlie in the role of the show’s pretentiously over the top director. Extolling his own virtues with theatrical clichés, this satirical opening sets the mood perfectly for the show that will follow.
At its core, the story is about a retired actor and his two children looking to find the ingredients to make a fruit salad for their grandmother’s forgotten birthday. This simple plot is then taken away and twisted into absurdity while layer upon layer of strangeness is added. Each ingredient of the salad is turned into a quest to some far-flung corner of the compass, to stereotypical fantasy lands where great dangers will stand between the family and their fruit. With forest lords, winter crones and god-like manta rays, an entire fantastical world is created.
This show has a much stronger narrative structure than last year’s Golden Gibbo winner The Glass Boat, but this does nothing to lessen the absurdity. The show is littered with interjections by berobed and diva-like actors or the pretentious director. Replayed dialogue and strange dream sequences and a hilariously surprising dance sequence also create delightfully clever touches.
This is self-aware experimental theatre at its best. Pig Island embraces the ridiculousness of what they’re doing and take everything over the top to help the audience laugh both at and with them. If you’re willing to indulge them, they’ll take you on one hell of a ride.
Visit the Comedy@Trades Hall website for bookings and further details