Theatre
By Blue Room Theatre Summer Nights
Thursday 5 February
The Blue Room Theatre
Just like a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, each performance at The Blue Room’s 600 Seconds is like a taste tester for something you could enjoy more of: if only you could find it amongst those other flavors you’d rather avoid.
Since it’s conception in 2013, The Blue Room Theatre has challenged and encouraged new and experienced artists from all over the country to take part in what is trending as a highly anticipated sell-out show. With two line-ups set to alternate over the two performance weeks, there is no knowing who, or what might turn up onstage. Whether a man in a monkey suit, a laughter yoga instructor, or comedic news-anchors with tight pants, performers pull out all the stops to deliver brave and new works which invite people to think, feel and laugh in equal measure. As the only restriction is a ten minute time cap, and there are no rules on content or creativity, sometimes you’ll find yourself wondering ‘when will this finish?’ and at other times more desperately, ‘where’s the rest of it?’
With an audience voted ‘best of’ show to top off each week, there is excitement in the unique opportunity afforded to audience members: the chance to have a say. Executed with wonderful charisma and charm, the unusual narrative of Bill de Bord, told by a chatty sea-man, was a personal favourite. Taking you on the comic adventure of a womanising rogue, the performers brought forth hoots of laughter, tears of joy and brief moments of wonder at dialogue that C. S. Lewis would be proud of.
Hidden behind the buzzing Blue Room bar, the intimate theatre space has a transcendent quality, moving past the busy-ness of everyday life to evoke the world the performer creates. Embracing, at heart, what it is to be a part of Fringe, 600 Seconds is an eclectic mix of thought provoking moments, inviting the adventurous and young at heart to strike out and be brave, and challenging mainstream theatre-goers to try something new.
600 Seconds runs until February 14. For tickets, click here.
