By Andrea Taylor
Not being particularly familiar with shadow puppet shows in general, or Jeff Achtem’s work at all, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect of Slapdash Galaxy. And if I’d been expecting anything, it probably wouldn’t have been a tall tartan skirt clad man with mutton chops, wielding shadow puppets made from fabric offcuts, household objects and various pieces of rubbish. I was definitely pleasantly surprised.
The plot wasn’t entirely comprehensible and was difficult to follow at times just as Achtem’s movement around the venue required some neck-turning and twisting in one’s seat. There were a few moments when I wasn’t sure that the show would tie together but, overall, the result was something that was absurd and delightful and decidedly slapdash, in an endearing way, as the title of the show suggests.
Hiding how everything works is clearly not Achtem’s aim as we see him haphazardly bumbling about the stage whilst preparing and setting things up for the next part of his show. At times we even see Achtem himself using the puppets.
I was impressed by the giant smoke-ring trick – I may have even let out an ‘ooh!’ – and enjoyed the smoke-filled bubbles, too (I can be easily entertained and blowing bubbles is certainly one way to grab my attention!)
Achtem’s charming, awkward character fills most of the downtime with amusing muttering and creates a fun atmosphere that encourages childlike wonder. Most of the audience in the session I attended seemed entertained and, whilst I don’t think this show would work for everyone, it certainly worked for me.
Eds Note – How can you not love bubbles? Andrea isn’t the only one easily distracted by bubbles .
This show is a must see, for those who have studied music it will be fascinating journey of technical prowess and creativity. For those without a musical background it will be almost like magic, sounds created out of a simple structure. At times it was just as interesting to watch the expressions of pure amazement on my fellow audience members’ faces. Regardless of your background, this performance is truly astounding.
Amanda Monroe has a story to tell about her life and (several times over) near deaths – and it’s a wonderful story to hear.
As they lay bare their unachieved goals and aspirations in life though the census form, with a quick witted musical number thrown in to boot, we’re about to start on an glorious adventure into an Inheritance claim in England. From the joys of a sub woofer to the inheritance song, the pair show us their skills as both musicians and comedians, and the combination absolutely works.
