Last year Hannah Maxwell demonstrated her abilities as an exceptionally good storyteller when she presented two original shows she had developed and toured back on her home turf around the UK – this year she returns to Adelaide Fringe with a new interactive show that is as poignant as it is funny; if you enjoy the process of creating theatre, BABYFLEAREINDEERBAG (a jumble of Baby Reindeer and Flea Bag in case you hadn’t noticed) is unmissable.
In an effort to decide which of a few different ideas she should develop as her next show, Maxwell creates something of a make-shift focus group with the audience, and provides them with different samples. She is very good at making people feel at ease and through no sleight of hand she organises everyone into feedback groups allowing the audience to answer various questions.
Most people have probably been involved in something like this at some stage of their career or education; break off into groups and make a list – it’s a simple process very widely used. Over about sixty minutes Maxwell takes us through monologues and part performances that not only entertain, they expose different sections of her life. We touch on her family history and tradition, her romantic nature and even a budding romance. These vignettes combine to reveal more insights into this most generous human being and allows endearingly emotional vulnerabilities to surface.
Of course, there’s more. By the time Maxwell has everyone on-side and her singularly charming persona has touched us all there’s a stunningly real meltdown. The reality of touring original theatre around the world, the pressure, the hopes and dreams, the visceral realities land with a most delicious and thought-provoking thwack!
The price one pays while reaching for the stars is rarely realised so well. Anyone who has ever chased a dream will relate to this brilliant anti-theatrical tragi/comedy. If I were to offer any advice it would be: attend in a group.
Rating: FIVE STARS!
For tickets and more information on Hannah Maxwell: BABYFLEAREINDEERBAG, visit: adelaidefringe.com.au
