REVIEW: "Slick"

Robert Jack, Jordan Young, Cara Bissett, Angela Darcy (photo by Jethro Collins)

Is it wrong to love a production which features a nine-year-old boy (puppet) restoring an old woman's collapsed anus, complete with stomach churning sound effects?

The Vox Motus production, "Slick", is set in a world "somewhere between cartoons, puppet theatre and a magic show" and tells the story of a young boy, Malcolm, his cruel family and a twisted plot involving skateboards, crude oil and a penis pump. Yes, this is a production which takes puppet humour further than "Avenue Q" and "Team America: World Police" would dare!

Although the storyline would make the kids of South Park blush, it's the strong visual style which makes the show so appealing, and the energy and enthusiasm of the cast which creates a memorable experience. The comic book feel is further enhanced by a fantastic set, which the cast manipulate: sliding panels in and out to create new locations. The sound and lighting also deserve special mention, really allowing us to believe in the world that these outrageous characters inhabit.

It's the collaboration between the different artists which has really made this production stand out. It's great to see a Scottish theatre company creating a show in this way - and the finished product speaks for itself.

---

The current run of "Slick" has now ended. The show toured Edinburgh, Inverness, Rutherglen, St Andrews, Kilmarnock, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Stirling. Visit the Vox Motus website here.
Image used with permission.