"Aaah!" Celebrity Scenes
Excelsior Hall, City
Sun 11 March
Until Sun 25 March


A combination of the religious revival atmosphere at the Bethlehem Lutheran church hall, the cheerful enthusiasm of the MC, and the mysterious plastic spoon we each receive, somehow provide 'Aaah!' with one of the most enthusiastic audiences I've seen for some time. The show is based on 'Thank God You're Here' - four comedians in turn are introduced, give a taster of their Fringe show, are dressed in a random costume and flung into a surprising scene to improvise their way out of.

Optimistic Queensland theatre-sports improviser Merrilee McCoy flung herself into the part as a tree-hugging hippie, thinking quickly and finally leading the audience in a leaping, almond-shaking dance. Phil Cowie followed, laconically demonstrating the use of our spoons in tuning lawnmowers and camels. Kieran Butler's confused performance as a stereotypical rambling rocker was less amusing than the rest, although he handled his shrieking fans well. The funniest performer was the unpredictable Mark Butler, who hadn't expected children in the front row and had to switch his act accordingly, debating with heckling eight-year-olds. His autocratic pirate confronted with an unlikely mermaid had the entire cast corpsing.

Special mention must go to the three versatile supporting actors, who performed multiple roles and responded rapidly to everything the comedians suggested, and to the inventive costume and scenery makers. The Impro Now programme at the Fringe also includes the 'Theatresports State Championships' and 'Clash Of The Theatre Titans,' where you can bid to take part in an 'Aaah!' scene yourself.

Rosie Clarke