Show name: Lost In Translation
Presented by: Braw Media
Venue: Rhino Room
Performance dates: 21st Feb - 23rd March
Lost In Translation is a show filled with immaturity, absurdity and randomness in the best way possible. Taking scripts from well loved movies and putting them through an online translator multiple times results in a weird, wacky, and hilarious version of the film. The various films to choose from each night, allows you to pick your favourite and get the most out of the experience. On the show's Fringe page, it is recommended that you watch the film before attending the show, which is a very good idea because the film you thought you knew is not what you will see on stage.
I attended the Titanic session, which was full of comedically out of place modern references and hand fetishes. The new, bizarre version of the script really highlighted the thought that was put into the original and although the same plot/premise of the film was followed, the use of language completely changed the genre and message of the film. The importance of the specificity of the English language was also highlighted with the changing of singular words altering the meaning of a sentence - “Jack was disguised as a suit and tie” opposed to “Jack was disguised in a suit and tie” paints a very different picture. Aaron Finan, the narrator of the show, was excellent at getting the audience involved, encouraging us to ‘boo’ at the villains, ‘awwww’ at moments of heartbreak, and ‘cheer’ for triumphs. With outstanding performances from the cast, who managed to keep a straight face (for the most part), the audience was in fits of laughter for the entire show.
Something I would love to see is a more varying list of films to choose from; if you are like me and don’t really like sci-fi or fantasy films, the only one on the list to choose from is Titanic. The venue is also a factor to consider, whilst it was lovely to have the cool air conditioning on a 37 degree day, the only way to access it is up a couple of flights of stairs, making the show less accessible.
With multiple sold out shows during the 2025 season, Lost In Translation speaks for itself. Although this show is rated MA15+ (for a good reason), I do appreciate that they included a PG edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in their repertoire, opening it up for families or those who prefer a more tame show. A simple, yet genius concept turned into a brilliantly hilarious show, this show is not one to miss out on. If you don't make it to a show this year or want to relive the madness, Braw Media post the recordings of their show as podcast episodes on Spotify for all to access.
https://lostintranslation.com.au/