3news.co.nz reviews The Boy with Tape on his Face in Christchurch, NZ.
“Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:58p.m.
By Ally Mullord
The Boy With Tape On His Face, a one-man show devised and presented by Cantabrian Sam Wills, was one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the Buskers Festival. Because of this I assumed it would be over-rated tripe but – and this isn’t something I often admit – I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The first thing to bear in mind if you go to the show – and sorry to give away the end of the review so early, but you should go to the show – is turn up early. Extra shows have been added, but on the night we went the queue was enormous twenty minutes before the doors opened.
The Boy With Tape On His Face (which I keep wanting to call The Boy With No Nose, although he has a perfectly serviceable one) is an hour of very clever physical comedy, supported by a perfectly-chosen soundtrack and a well-judged amount of audience participation.
Wills is initially unnerving, but offsets the faintly disturbing slash of gaffer tape across his mouth with a likeable sarcasm and an evident delight in the audience.
While the show’s material in itself is quirky and entertaining, Wills’ comedic talent really shines through in his interactions with the audience members invited onstage, who were (for the most part) quick to realise what was expected of them, and happy to comply. Normally I watch with a cold dread being selected from the audience and asked up to assist, but on this show I was faintly disappointed that, despite my aisle seat, I didn’t get to join in the fun.
Poignant, mischievous and memorable, The Boy With Tape On His Face is a show which deserves the hype.” CLICK HERE FOR REVIEW
The Boy with Tape on his Face
