Lost in Translation returns to Adelaide Fringe in 2024 with a full queue of films. On Tuesday evening they perform The Fellowship of the Ring, whose script is run through online translators a dozen times before finally ending back in English. The story, characters, and many of the iconic lines are recognisable, but none remain unscathed. A full crowd manoeuvres around the upstairs theatre at Rhino Room. It is standing room only for the stragglers wandering in late. Thanks to the online translators, the titular Fellowship becomes “Best Friends of the Ring.” Lord Salron becomes “Sharon,” who wields the corruptive powers of middle management and consumerism. Gandalf reads the iconic poem: “The ring to buy them and tie them up in the dark.” The unlikely “Hobbyist” heroes Samwise Jumanji and Frodo Bags-a-Lot begin their quest. Strider (later revealed to be Anagram) is introduced as a “social justice warrior.” The audience cannot stop laughing as the players deliver their bizarre lines with straight faces. The regular performers are Aaron Finan, Sophie Addison, Emma Evans and Lochryn Hearne. They are joined each night by guests who have never seen the script before, which contributes to the feeling of improv comedy on the stage. (On Tuesday 5th of March, their guests are Curtis Shipley, Nathan Stavridis, and James Vinicombe.) The performers have excellent improv skills and joyfully perform the peculiarly familiar story. Their bright voices and intonation keep the audience engaged, although their physical performances are rather low energy. At times it is difficult to tell which characters are speaking, although this could be due to the translations. They could benefit from comprehensive costumes, if only a change of hat or paper mask. Lost in Translation has already sold out several shows in advance. If you want to see their brilliant ballet of buffoonery in person, I suggest you book quickly. Otherwise their podcast will have to suffice, which you should follow either way.