THEATRE: THE BALLAD OF BACKBONE JOE
Backbone Joe is an undefeated tent boxer who’s lost a fair few neurons in the ring. He has a right hook, “As quick as a spun tea-bag” and a mind wracked with guilt because he thinks he might have thrown his wife off a bridge … He can’t be sure though, because he’s been having these terrible blackouts. Abattoir owner and fight promoter Messy Dimes Dan is only too happy to fill in the blanks to suit his own agenda, and the question is, can Detective Von Trapp – also disguised as the marvelously bearded Elijah Upjump – set things straight? Set in pre-war Australia, this hammy tale’s humour follows in the footsteps of The Mighty Boosh and is, more than anything else, a whole lot of fun. The Suitcase Royale (Miles O’Neill, Joseph O’Farrell and Glen Walton) are known for their dirty blues and inventive ‘choreography’, but mention should also be made of their hilarious improvisational skills. Theirs is a semi-planned version of chaos, and all the more funny for it. The climactic shadow puppet boxing bout is reason enough to go see this show, but there are many, many more.
Until Oct 2, Sydney Theatre Company, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $25-30, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au
