Party Ghost
Eerie childish mischief set against a backdrop of dismembered body limbs and birthday decor with oh so many ghosts!
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Party Ghost is an absurd portrayal of a peculiar "Death Day" celebration, where anticipation constantly keeps us on our toes. This production thrives on its offbeat style, weaving together elements of circus, comic violence, clowning, campiness, and lip-sync into a unique performance. Audience interaction is sublime with the quirky characters drawing us into the horror.
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Central to the haunting chaos are the performances of Olivia Porter and Jarred Dewey. Porter commands attention with her eyes when concealed as a ghost beneath a white sheet. She maintains a consistent persona, punctuating the performance with instances of understated and amplified comedic terror. Porter’s juggling sequence is particularly impressive, interwoven with quiet comedic lines that land profusely.
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Dewey offers another distinct dimension to the performance, featuring more ephemeral character portrayals. Dewey’s contorted comedic mourning in a mesmerising trapeze act is a show highlight while their balloon act is full of bizarre twists that elicited audible expressions of shock from the audience.
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What truly stands out is the synergy between Porter and Dewey. Most captivating moments occur when they shared the stage, demonstrating their exceptional chemistry through synchronized and contrasting physicality that produce intriguing forms. With dismembered body parts spread across the stage amongst birthday party decor, the physical props and bodies are central to the show. The scarcity of dialogue leaves audiences consistently on edge and focused on the visuals.
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While the narrative leans into disjointed sequences, the lack of connection between scenes is at times perplexing. However, this is overshadowed by the unwavering dedication to the eccentric and unconventional, ensuring that audiences remain immersed in the weird rather than the spectacle. The deliberate embrace of an unpolished, raw style yields additional surprises, contributing to the overall uniqueness of the production.
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Double Take Productions and Cluster Arts have produced an undeniably intriguing and entertaining show that is sure to give audiences a memorable night at the theatre.
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Party Ghost closes Saturday 23rd September at Metro Arts.
