This late night Mardi Gras Festival comedy hits its mark with consistently fabulous form throughout. Using the potentially tired cliché of Broadway-loving show queen characters, a fresh, current comedy leaps off the stage.
A rainbow of scriptwriting and stagecraft skill from Jeffrey Self with Cole Escola make this short, risqué romp an energetic and varied entertainment. Talents from mimicry to mime contribute to the slick sheen and pace of this event.
Some asides insult local and overseas stars of stage and screen. Even given the scripted personalities delivering them, this is a daring choice. These quips at times just avoid blasting the bad taste metre. However, they are too well paced, placed and delivered to miss rewarding this show with more and more laughs.
Pure camp is gloriously back in Sydney with elastic expression, multidimensional movement and rapid fire rants. The two member cast in search of a show tell their tales and rehearse numbers before us.
In addition to the hilarious characterisations of their own two contrasting personas, Self and Escola quickly change to create guest caricatures. The inserting of one satirical diva swathed in a spotlight-hugging outfit, wiry wig and attitude is alone worth attending this show for.
This well-structured show deserves a good festival audience. Chookas to the Desperate Houseboys as they raise their eyebrows in the neighbourhood.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5
Desperate Houseboys
Matthew Management & Neil Gooding
Performed by Jeffrey Self and Cole Escola
Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, University of Sydney
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival
www.seymourcentre.com
18 – 28 February
