An interactive live show based around a wedding reception sounded like a fun night out for seedoeatreview. And, apart from turning up in a flannel shirt and jeans while everybody else was actually dressed for a wedding reception (sorry to the cast and crew for that mistake), I was really looking forward to what the Faulty Towers team would deliver with this Adelaide Fringe performance. With some of the Faulty Towers cast in Confetti & Chaos, I knew we’d be in good hands acting and comedy-wise. What I didn’t expect was a bunch of drunken yahoos trying to be funnier than, talking over and throwing ice at the cast while they were trying to perform. I’m all for audience participation but some attendees at this faux wedding reception needed a lesson in manners and respect for the performers and the people around them. With that being said let’s get on with the show.
Newly married couple Will and Stacey have had a surprise wedding reception thrust upon them and nearly every one of their family will be making an appearance on this special day. From Will’s best man Ricky to Stacey’s mum and dad, Lynn and Ray, as well as a few uninvited guests, they all play a part in creating chaos as the night unfolds. For the most part, this show is an absolute joy to watch. The storyline may not be as smooth or as focused as Faulty Towers Dining Experience, but Confetti & Chaos does bring its own sense of humour and charm to diners, alas in a more manic fashion. Rebecca Fortuna (Stacey) and Jack Newell (Will) are the featured players in this show and their facial expressions alone had me laughing in my chair. Monique Lewis-Reynolds (Lynn) always brings a comforting mothering role to her performances so I was shocked to see her break out with a new character. As a matter of fact, all the performers brought something a little different to the show character-wise (but I don’t want to give away spoilers in this review). As for the best man Ricky (played by Adrian Espulso), I think all the folks who were with me at table eight got to see more than we bargained for out of his showing on the night.
Confetti and Chaos lives up to its name. The food was fine, the actors were great and the story brought something a little different to my Fringe experience. Unfortunately, with a loud, drunk and boisterous crowd, I failed to hear and follow what was going on at times, which took away from the show slightly. I can say this though, you’ve never been to a wedding reception like this before. Enjoy!
FOUR STARS ****