Melbourne Reviews

In the words of the great Bruce Lee – "Simplicity is the key to brilliance."

The thing about Kraken is that it's so good, it's hard to do it justice in a review. If there must needs be two sides of the coin, the only negative thing that can be said about it is that it's TOO funny, and an audience can potentially miss a goodly portion while blinded by tears of laughter.

The measure of a consummate performer is that ability to grace a stage doing things which require a ridiculous amount of talent, while making it look completely effortless. Trygve Wakenshaw is one of those people. He's having so much fun, and the performance feels so organic, but there's this niggling feeling that maybe you're watching comedic genius at play? Literally.

Wakenshaw is Gaulier trained, someone renowned for encouraging his students to find their love and pleasure of being on stage, and it translates. It's nigh on impossible not to go on a journey with a performer in that state of delight.

Kraken looks simple in its make-up, but it packs a mighty punch. One man, one stage, three pairs of underpants. And lycra. Never underestimate lycra. Wakenshaw connects with his audience on a wonderfully playful and intimate level; you're the two "uncool" kids in the school yard, with your own private jokes, having WAY more fun than anyone else. *thumbs up*

It's superb clowning, with a perfectly chaotic show seamlessly tied around it.

It's a play, and you get to play. So go and play. Don't miss the opportunity.


Don't Be Lonely and Theatre Beating presents
Kraken
by Trygve Wakenshaw

Venue: The Tuxedo Cat | 17-23 Wills St, Melbourne
Dates: 26 Mar – 19 Apr, 2014
Tickets: $20 – $10
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | www.trybooking.com

Part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival