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SMALL TALK That Girl Bakehouse Theatre - Studio Until 15 Mar 2014

Review by Paige Mulholland

Lana Schwarcz is nothing if not ambitious – between playing four characters (eight if you count each character’s separate “inner child”), performing intricate puppetry and keeping track of the complicated prop and audio work, this show is one that might have a lesser performer running for the hills. However, Schwarcz uses these elements skilfully and cohesively to create a performance that is thought- provoking, funny, and just a little insane.

“Small Talk” centres on Tilly, the eccentric, overly perky and secretly broken creator of the ÜberSound – a machine to reveal and release someone’s inner child. Using the ÜberSound, three dysfunctional characters are reunited with their thoroughly-messed-up inner children, with a result that is startlingly and abruptly dark.

The unique idea for the plot combined with the unpredictable characters means that the plot is constantly surprising and engrossing. The ending feels a little sudden, particularly when its morbid atmosphere is so far removed from the light comedy of the rest of the show, and Schwarcz’s jokes sometimes fall a little flat, but overall the production is enjoyable and entertaining.

As a performer, Schwarcz seemed polished and prepared, which, for a show as complicated as “Small Talk” is a must. Despite getting a little tongue tied now and again, she didn’t seem to drop a single line, which is a rarity among one-performer shows in the . Her four characters remained distinct, making the show mostly very easy to follow.

Although Schwarcz apologised for “technical difficulties” at the end of the show, none seemed to be apparent; the lighting was simple but effective, the audio seemed to work well despite complex requirements, and Schwarcz’s multiple, multipurpose props were innovative and practical. If there were any technical blips, the audience seemed to forgive them.

“Small Talk” is certainly worth a trip to the Bakehouse. After an hour with Schwarcz, you’ll leave entertained, talkative, and probably very concerned about what your own inner child is up to.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)