BUZZFEST by Baloney Theatre Company Review
Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
‘BuzzFest’, a new play by Marissa Landy and Baloney Theatre Company, debuted at The Wanstead Curtain. Formed in 2018, Baloney Theatre Company aims to tackle a wide range of difficult and sensitive subject matters through the form of Absurd Comedy. They aim to create work that can hopefully help foster positive change for ill-supported communities.
‘BuzzFest’ itself focuses on Daisy, Jason, and their madcap group of friends as they navigate a weekend at a festival. Each member of the crew has their own interests and quirks. The action shifts between them, with some having more problems than others. Daisy and Jason do not seem to be getting on. There is tension between them from the very beginning. Lots of the scenes between the two protagonists take place inside their tent, with the scenes filmed by cinematographer Brad Tyler, retroactively and projected on a screen above the playing space. It was a clever and insightful part of the performance.
The cohort of actors were all great. They each took their part and added layers and nuance. Georgia Dye and Tafadzwa Phillip Madubeko took on Daisy and Jason respectively. Dye was measured and thoughtful as Daisy, with Madubeko giving Jason a confused and irritated edge. A look at the central couple on the verge of a breakup. Not quite understanding the other’s point of view. They were quite convincing. Tom Feasby and CJ gave emotional performances as Jordan and Joe fleetingly towards the end. It was a lovely moment to see, especially juxtaposed with their more humorous moments. Marnie Yule as Lisa was warm and funny. The standout performance though, was given by Alistair Rowley. He was very funny indeed. Scene stealingly so. Always there to lighten the mood and raise spirits. He was so likeable. The cast did well when sometimes the plot got a little unfocused.
Marissa Landy directed the show well and used the space to her advantage however, this did mean sometimes the action was behind the audience. Although used well, the space in which ‘BuzzFest’ was performed in didn’t work particularly well, with the action taking place on the floor with seating not being raked. This meant some of the action was missed as people were sat directly in front of other audience members.
The writing was uneven. Some of it seemed clumsily written and it lost its way on occasion. Though it was funny and emotional at times, I think the plot could have been streamlined. Having small subplots that are left unresolved after their moment was jarring. At the same time, I also think that the main plot line between Daisy and Jason wasn’t explored enough. We could see they were having problems, but it seemed that the same argument was being had over and over without ever finding out why? Jason thought Daisy was moody and Daisy thought Jason was ignoring her. Unfortunately, that is all I can tell you about it.
The music worked well in the montage sections and the music playing quietly in the background of the filmed scenes but I think it would have been more effective if it continued throughout the live sections too. It would have linked the show and made it more cohesive.
I always like to support new writing and new theatre and really wanted to like this more. With some careful rewrites and potentially some refocusing of the plot, this show could really work.
‘Buzz Fest’ runs at the Wanstead Curtain until 21st September.
★★
