Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
SHARK is a production that fully embraces its own theatricality, leaning into tropes and self-referential humour with confidence. Locally writen and devised, and brimming with wit and playful referential elements, the show took a little time to settle into its rhythm, but once it did, it delivered an engaging and clever performance.
The costuming was a notable feature, striking a balance between visual cohesion and individual performer comfort, a tricky thing when the entire cast are in bikinis. The aesthetic was unified enough to reinforce the production’s tone while allowing the cast to move with ease. The actors (Lucy Wong, Delaney Bourke and Clea Purkis) brought enthusiasm and self-awareness to their roles, fully committing to the exaggerated character tropes and enhancing the show’s comedic impact.
That said, there were some minor staging challenges. Audience members seated front and centre, as recommended, may have found that performers upstaging one another during some of the filming sequences. Adjusting the angle to play slightly across the stage could have improved visibility. Additionally, the use of a TV screen to highlight the 'film' being made was a nice element, but a larger display would have made these moments even more impactful, especially given its placement on the stage —though space limitations may have been a factor.
From a technical perspective, the production was well-executed. Lighting transitions between the ‘filming’ and ‘real-world’ sequences were seamless, and the integration of a live HDMI camera added an engaging dynamic, providing comedic opportunities. However, the need to manage the cables at times detracted slightly from an otherwise polished multimedia approach.
The finale was particularly well-crafted—a deliberately over-the-top parody that fully embraced the show’s self-aware, theatrical style. It was a fitting conclusion to a production that thrived on humour and playful exaggeration.
While not the most polished production, SHARK did not need to be. Its rough edges contributed to its charm, creating a performance that felt lively, engaging, and intentionally tongue-in-cheek. One could easily imagine it thriving in a Spiegeltent setting, where its energy could be further amplified.
Clever, creative, and fully committed to its concept, SHARK offered an entertaining experience—one that left its audience both amused and fully in on the joke.
Reviewer Note: Kate works at the same company as Lucy Wong (Writer/Performer for SHARK). Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
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