Fringe Review: Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow

Sometimes I don’t like yellow
My Accomplice
26 Feb – 2 Mar
BATS Theatre

Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow is the first production of recently formed group, My Accomplice Theatre and it’s a good start. The premise of the play is: what happens when the CEO of a pineapple company makes a mistake in peddling mysteriously addictive red pineapple? Confusingly, the play doesn’t really deliver on the answer to this question.

There are some fantastic moments in the performance: Scene transitions are quick and make great use of the limited festival lighting rig; there’s some classic slapstick and clowning technique; and interesting use of stylized physicality to switch between scenes. It’s all very watchable. But as for what it means, well, I was left confused!

I am a big fan of some of the folks listed as ‘inspirations’ for the work, particularly The Mighty Boosh and Nathan Barley writers Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker. These shows pull off surrealism in fantastic style because there the characters are grounded in a strong desire that guides their journey. Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow lacked this platform – I didn’t know why anyone was doing anything (excepting the company board members who are obsessed with money). This left me with an empty feeling after various characters made choices, because it all seemed so random and unmotivated. Was the story a questioning morality, a commentary on corporate greed or perhaps an allegory of human atrocities? I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure.

However, the cast are an energetic and committed bunch. Notably, Paul Waggott (also recently in Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants) is particularly engaging as CEO Peter Blouse. They have obviously worked hard to create this piece, with many of the cast also holding production roles, I’m sure it’s been a labour of love. There are flashes of brilliance in Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow, but for me, it just didn’t add up to a fully satisfying experience. I do look forward to their next production (due later this year) because this team clearly has some talent and passion behind them.

Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow is definitely worth a look, but don’t expect a coherent narrative.

Press Release: Sometimes I Don’t Like Yellow
Video Trailers: Rage Sound Eating
Scoop Full Coverage: Arts Festival 2010

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