James McLean: Big Enough And Ugly Enough at Bakehouse Theatre – Adelaide Fringe Review

Bakehouse Theatre – Main Stage, Tue 1 Mar James McLean is ready to move out into the big wide world – armed with a M.A. in drama. He's employable, enthusiastic and ready to learn (hospitality ring any bells?). What could possibly go wrong? Bursting with surprises, wry wit and charm, the bald-faced brashness of a busker and the languid pizzazz of a lounge lizard, this cabaret has some well written songs, a good smattering of jokes, lyrical and physical, and could be described as a series of interconnected memoirs, stories illustrating how life has gone wrong. Big Enough And Ugly Enough is well written and funny. There are good segues between parts of this drama and all relate back to that 'box of crap' that James has inherited from his late aunty. James creates clearly crafted characters to accompany him on this rite of passage. The voices of his conscience and his great aunty, particularly the Dame Edna Everage dulcet tones of his aunty and her advice, make for running gags throughout the show. Also of particular note are Judy, the swinger receptionist and James playing of the very dodgy, knife wielding thief - he is scarily real and how he can instantly transform himself from the clean, wholesome boy next door to a dodgy character so quickly and completely will leave you wondering. All throughout we are bought back to the objects in the inherited box, but rather than play with the objects, James lifts the lid to shine his torch on how easily we fill up the spaces between us, with everything but what really matters. Clayton Werner James McLean: Big Enough And Ugly Enough continues at Bakehouse Theatre – Main Stage from 7.30pm until Sat 5 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.