Dandyman – Prince Idiot: The Mastery Of Buffoonery at Royal Croquet Club – Adelaide Fringe Review

Royal Croquet Club – The Parlour, Sun 6 Mar Dandyman enters the stage with an incredibly long cape trailing and with an attitude that is a cross between inbred royalty and Austin Powers, and with all of Mr Bean's facial expressions, vocalisations and gestures, making the English language unnecessary. Here is a master of buffoonery at work, with a series of bizarre skits, many with understated physical comedy and circus elements completely misappropriated and some might suggest abused to absurdist comic effect. There is probably good reason why slinky springs are not usually a part of a physical theatre routine – it’s quite hilarious having this demonstrated. Also a series of sound cuts take him to different characters, bringing to light the stereotypes of our culture(s). Dandyman is holding up a mirror to some parts of our society, but rather than using a barrage of words, he is using mime and character. He has all of the quintessential clown qualities – simplicity, honesty, joy, openness and lightness. At one point his cape has turned into a turban and a little string hanging off it has hypnotised him by mistake – priceless! Be prepared to be involved, while a few volunteers are requested and used along the way, the finale is all-inconclusive and provides a quite refreshing and amusing twist with the artist giving up all of his power for the finale. Clayton Werner Dandyman – Prince Idiot continues at Royal Croquet Club – The Parlour from 9pm until Mon 14 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.