FAG/STAG: A Look At Friendship, Masculinity and Relationships From Both Sides Of The Fence – Adelaide Fringe Review

Royal Croquet Club – Ukiyo, Tue 16 Feb The Last Great Hunt is commanding the attention of Australia’s Festival followers. Based in Perth, the theatre collective thrives to hunt for new ideas and ways to connect with their audience. As well as their successful puppetry show Bruce, the company has also brought to the 2016 Adelaide Fringe an entertaining, heartfelt theatre experience, FAG/STAG. Written and performed by Chris Isaacs and Jeffery Jay Fowler, FAG/STAG explores the lives of best friends Corgan and Jimmy and their struggles with relationships, masculinity and trying to get to the next level on Donkey Kong. Jimmy has recently broken up with his boyfriend Tim, while Corgan still yearns for his ex-girlfriend Tamara who is about to get married. They both have different approaches to process their own grief and ways to support each other. It is complicated further by their perceptions about sexuality, privilege and coping mechanisms, which gets in the way of their friendship. This play explores straight and gay male best friends in a manner that I have never seen in any performance or media form; so honest, touching and hilarious. FAG/STAG has an outstanding script to match the equally outstanding performance by Isaacs and Fowler. The direction is clever with parallel stories giving insight into the other person’s internal monologue. There is no overworked set, costumes or soundtrack; it relies completely on the story and the performance, which it absolutely nailed tonight. A highly recommended theatre experience. Bobby Goudie FAG/STAG continues at Royal Croquet Club – Ukiyo from 6.30pm until Sun 28 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.