The Roundhouse @ Garden of Unearthly Delights
From now till 20th March
Magic / Comedy
Review by Jason Leigh
While I am not entirely sure that the titular Purple Rabbit may not actually be a reference to Harry Potter, there is a prevalence of magic and mentalism in this show but given the adult content, it is more than likely also a reference to a certain sex toy. Tangentially, but perhaps an appropriate choice, Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit is used to soundtrack the opening of the show and it brings to mind that as I entered the tented venue of the Roundhouse and went down the metaphorical rabbit hole, I did not quite know what to expect and afterwards I think that this was indeed the best way to experience the Purple Rabbit.
The cast for this show are a group of diverse, exceptionally talented individuals able to work well solo or in an ensemble performance. The mentalist Harper Jones is almost a de facto host with her degree in Sexual Psychic-cology from the Byron Bay Institute (which she asks that we not google). Among other talents, Emma is graceful in her display of Chinese foot juggling. Kerol “eats” part of a vinyl LP then regurgitates the musical contents in beatbox style. Dom Chambers (see him in his own show A Boy and His Deck) and the curiously Unnamed Magician perform amazing tricks that reinforce that what we are witnessing is quite simply a “magic” show. In fact, what Dom Chambers does in his act to start the show is a recommendation for a second career as a barman and I would welcome him serving me a drink or two outside in the Garden.
Over more than an hour the audience is expertly entertained by the cast in a variety of combinations before the show successfully comes to a conclusion with a card trick performed simultaneously by all five performers situated within the audience. The Purple Rabbit is well paced and executed with no lulls or weak points and even the usually variable moments of audience participation are entertaining. This is a show that will not disappoint and will certainly have audiences talking. Another triumphant Strut & Fret presentation (Blanc De Blanc, LIFE).
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