Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Alex Brenner
5 Stars
“Lesbian Space Crime” is a musical satirical romp packed with jokes, physical comedy, silly songs, and silver leotards. Extremely loosely based on a famous case of the first alleged crime committed in space (that the show comedically makes clear cannot be referenced in detail for legal reasons), this production turns characters into caricature, heightens stakes with dramatic and lovingly familiar science fiction tropes, and ramps up the humour into absurdity.
The high energy cast of three takes on an ensemble of memorable characters, including a manipulative science-denying hippie, a dumb jock bro of an astronaut, and an unusual alien collective to name just a few. The actors’ transformations are a delight, with clear characters coming to life through quick changes and elastic expressions. The side characters are unique and hilarious. The villain is delightfully dastardly, and our falsely accused hero brings an impressive athleticism to their performance. Puns and visual gags alike had the audience laughing, and the characterisation of the five-year-old son still had me giggling long after the show ended. It is clear how much fun the actors are having onstage which makes it even more enjoyable to watch.
This show is original, quirky, and extremely engaging in its self-awareness and total confidence in its absurdity.
Lesbian Space Crime
Ace Dome at Pleasance Dome
14:50
17 – 25 Aug