BIG BOYS THE THIRD. Directed by Vanessa Harris with Ash Searle and Brad Searle.
REVIEW: Karen Rutter
I squeezed a Searle – and I liked it! I know, I know, that’s an entirely inappropriate way to start a review, but I can imagine there are probably hundreds of fans out there who are now green with envy. Couldn’t resist.
Thing is, the Searle boys are extremely easy on the eye. What’s not to like about Ash and Brad, the original Big Boys? Their dance moves are like molasses on speed – smooth and swift. Their sense of humour is like Friends meets Monty Python – sweet and surreal. They clearly love acting together, and this enthusiasm is infectious. And they know how to spin a good yarn – into several consecutive shows, which is pretty clever.
Big Boys the Third is, obviously, number three in a series which follows the escapades of two brothers and their exploits in the worlds of dance and romance. The first two shows (which have done extremely well around the country, since launching several years back) focused on the boys trying to launch their careers as professional dancers, while negotiating the ins and outs of love and marriage with their respective partners. This time around, the idea of a pro career is put on hold as the duo contemplate the imminent arrival of Brad’s first baby.
Pondering life as a parent …
Ash takes on the role of Responsible Older Bro while Brad plays The Flaky One as they tackle the new terrain. Beginning with a high-energy set piece in which both synchronise their steps to a projected backdrop, the level is impressively pegged; and it never slackens as the duo ponder the realities of life as a parent (while also suffering some flashbacks to their interrupted career).
Sneaky references to pop culture, from Survivor to Game of Thrones and beyond, blend with a mashup of movement that ranges from hip-hop to yes, even tap-dancing. The pace is non-stop, the presentation is spot-on, and the use of the smallish stage at the Kalk Bay Theatre is employed to maximum effect.
Director Vanessa Harris (who goes by the surname Searle when she is at home with Ash) keeps a tight but effective hold on the leash, keeping the action flowing but allowing for moments of spontaneous humour and quirky audience participation (that’s the part where I featured).
For a fun evening out, presented by a team who’re at the top of their game, you’ll do well to book a night with the Big Boys.
Where and when: Kalk Bay Theatre, 31 January to 25 February
Book: http://www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za/book-a-show/
WS
