Reviewed by: Glam Adelaide
Review by Nicola Woolford | 26 February 2024

You Are a Doughnut returns to the Adelaide Fringe following an award winning run last year. It is the only production from That Science Gang’s repertoire that is playing this season. So, if your young person enjoys educational comedy and alliterative musical numbers (with an arsenal of fart jokes)… then look no further. Our hosts for the show are Oesoph A. Gus (Rod Schultz) and Dewey Dean (PJ Oaten.) These two play substitute biology teachers dueling for their students’ attention. Oesoph wants to teach his audience about the digestive system, while Dewey prefers cheeky puns and physical comedy with a light sprinkling of facts. Their on stage banter and friendly rivalry is a fun addition to the show. The first skit sees Oaten participating in a dubious bake-off, discussing the nutritional benefits of different foods and tasting bizarre recipes. Next Schultz guides us on an interactive tour of each stage of the digestive system. Beginning at the mouth and esophagus, then the stomach together with small and large intestines (with a detour to the liver,) and eventually the rectum. The lessons are broken up by original songs (music by Mark Simeon Ferguson and lyrics by David Lampard.) These are bright and bubbly, and will inspire your child to sing all the way home. Rod Schultz’s enunciation is not perfect. Many of his scientific lyrics slur together, meaning younger audience members may be confused or simply zone out. Luckily, PJ Oaten’s goofy smile and slapstick comedy is always there to recapture their attention. You Are a Doughnut does not deny that poop and farts are funny, but invites children to laugh along as they learn. Schultz and Oaten never run out of energy and are excellent teachers. Their rainbow of felt poop puppets will have the audience in stitches.