King Jack Queen: A Fully Immersive Walk In The Dark Aftermath Of Drinking Games – Adelaide Fringe Review

Danni’s Apartment at The Market Apartment, Wed 28 Feb. [THEATRE/INTERACTIVE – UK] How do you make the dark and deadly serious theme of rape fully accessible in terms of theatre? How do you lead your audience into posing questions like, ‘She must’ve been asking for it?’ ‘Why did she let herself get so drunk?’ ‘How could she lose control?’ ‘Isn’t she partly responsible?’ Baobab Tree Theatre Company (from Manchester, UK) have considered this carefully and decided that making the audience part of the action in a fully immersive way the best manner in which to do this. Thus the show begins with us, the audience, welcomed at the door as people arriving for a party and the party begins with drinking games as a way to get to know you. As theatre goes, we are a little reluctant in this; not expecting to be immersed quite so deeply, to be part of the drama, rather than simply witnesses. Jack (Joseph Palmer) and Danni (Eloise Bonney) are new to Adelaide, so we’re potentially new friends. Then the party moves to a nightclub, more drinking, dancing and loud chat – yes, the audience is also the party! But then it starts to get ugly as Danni succumbs to alcohol and is helped home by Jack. The audience is urged to follow and witness our new friend Jack, helping a mostly unconscious Danni into bed. The events that follow have Jack fleeing the scene and Danni waking to wonder what happened and why she feels the way she does... King Jack Queen is confronting and unforgiving without offering any platitudes or easy ways out... 4 stars Clayton Werner King Jack Queen continues at Danni’s Apartment at The Market Apartment, at various times, until Sun 4 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe Cover image courtesy of Errin Yesilkaya