Honestly, this might just clinch the title of the funniest show I’ve witnessed all year! I ventured into the Malthouse Beckett Theatre, utterly clueless about what Garry Starr’s latest creation entailed. Perhaps that blissful ignorance was a blessing in disguise, because nothing could have truly prepared me for the sheer, unadulterated absurdity of ‘Classic Penguins.’
Garry embarks on a hilariously bizarre odyssey through the hallowed halls of classic literature, seizing upon book titles and transforming them into theatrical experiences that defy all expectations. From a dramatically reimagined ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ to ‘The Little Prince,’ and even a startlingly visceral take on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ Garry traverses a literary landscape with unrestrained abandon.
Now, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this theatrical exploration is conducted entirely in the nude, and I mean completely naked—no fig leaves, no strategic shadows. However, remarkably, within the span of an hour, the initial shock dissipates, and the focus shifts to Garry’s ingenious (and often ludicrous) interpretations of these literary masterpieces.
Audience participation is not merely encouraged; it’s practically mandatory. Garry actively solicits contributions, relying on the crowd to shape the narrative and even conjure up some of the show’s titles. Consequently, the experience is inherently unpredictable, contingent on the audience’s collective willingness to embrace the absurd and engage with Garry’s eccentric vision.
The show’s technical elements are equally impressive. The soundtrack is a delightful mishmash of eclectic tunes, featuring some undeniable bangers that perfectly complement the onstage chaos. The staging is deceptively simple yet remarkably effective, and the ingenious use of a microscope projector to display the book covers on a large screen adds a wonderfully whimsical touch.
In essence, I implore you: treat yourself to the singular spectacle that is Garry Starr’s ‘Classic Penguins.’ Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and perhaps a handful of loose change—you’ll understand why later—and prepare to have your literary sensibilities thoroughly and hilariously subverted.
