Original homespun (literally) physical comedy, The Beaks: Stickybeak is a clever and creative look at everyday life in suburbia. It is the domain of four excellent exponents that turn the mundane into something special. I speak of Kimberley Twiner, Laura Trenerry, Patrick Dwyer and Jessie Ngaoi.
They play a series of quick-change character roles that are repeated throughout the 55-minute offering, without missing a beat. Nosy neighbours, husband and wife with children, babies, dogs, cats, chickens, snails and even a pesky fly are realised. At times traditional masculine and feminine roles are transposed. Nothing is too difficult for this dextrous quarter of mirth and merriment. Their mannerisms and body movement, coupled with in-character dialogue generate laughter aplenty.
Three houses sit side by side, represented by a corrugated iron fence, a white picket fence and plastic crates alongside crumbling brick. There are so many memorable scenes, including a husband (Dwyer) and wife (Twiner) trying to juggle two small children (Trenerry and Ngaoi). Then, that same husband endeavours to control his two hair pulling kids, but can’t. Sensational! He also assumes the role of an effeminate mother attempting to tame his teenage daughter, while satisfying his humourless husband (played by Trenerry).
Meanwhile, the teenage daughter (Twiner) shows more than a passing interest in an all but monosyllabic male (Ngaoi), who tries to act cool. When it comes to animal husbandry, Dwyer does a mean dog and cat impersonation, while Ngaoi’s representation of epileptic pooch Psycho is noteworthy. Talking of canines, there is a nice little deposit made on the picket fence, which attracts flies and the humourless husband’s ire. Twiner’s realization of a snail is particularly evocative.
Orchestrated mayhem abounds in Stickybeak in the best way possible. There is talent to burn here as neighbourhood harmony is but a pipedream. The transition between characters is delightful fun. Clearly in this suburb it pays to be a stickybeak. It is time to listen in and take a gander. The Beaks: Stickybeak is on in The Tower at Malthouse Theatre until 21st April, 2024, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Masterclass (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
- Monsters (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
- The Return (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.