Monday 26 February 2018

Hand to God, Feb 24, 2018 ***1/2


THEATRE 
by Robert Askins
at Alex Theatre, St Kilda, until March 18, 2018 
Reviewer: Kate Herbert on Feb 24, 2018
Stars: ***1/2

Review also published in Herald Sun Lifestyle online on Mon Feb 26, 2018 & later in print.
HAND TO GOD - Gyton Grantley credit Angel Leggas

Beware! When a foul-mouthed, blasphemous hand puppet takes possession of a shy, Texan teenager in Robert Askins' play, Hand to God, the stage becomes a dangerous and irreverent place.  

Askins' demented, Tony-nominated, black comedy mates Avenue Q-style, mischievous puppets with religious hypocrisy, then crossbreeds that with The Exorcist.

Gary Abrahams' production exploits the outrageous, laugh-out-loud comedy that depicts a church, puppetry workshop that goes terribly wrong when Jason's (Gyton Grantley) delinquent puppet, Tyrone, starts exhibiting demonic behaviour.

The first half is particularly funny as Grantley's geeky, immature Jason begins expressing his repressed alter ego through his wicked puppet, and Jason’s seemingly prim mother, Marjery, played with wild relish by Alison Whyte, reveals her uncontrollable, sexual appetite.

Grantley's performance is hilariously complex as he almost turns himself inside out shifting voice, tone and attitude in a nanosecond to switch between timid Jason and brash, crude Tyrone.

Grant Piro brings his impeccable timing and characterisation to Pastor Greg who tilts from pious, pompous churchman to Marjery's desperately needy but manipulative admirer.

Beware! When a foul-mouthed, blasphemous hand puppet takes possession of a shy, Texan teenager in Robert Askins' play, Hand to God, the stage becomes a dangerous and irreverent place.
HAND TO GOD - Jake Speer, Grant Piro, Gyton Grantley, credit Angel Leggas
Jake Speer as randy teenager, Timothy, and Morgana O’Reilly as the deceptively quiet Jessica, complete this totally bonkers, puppetry club.

The second half descends into comic chaos, violence and lurid, puppet-sex scenes, but the hectic pace lacks dynamic range, the comedy becomes hysterical and the rhythm feels a bit out of control.

Rather oddly by the very end, the hilarious havoc transforms into a morality play, and the slightly preachy ending dilutes the earlier comedy.

Hand to God is a funny and sacrilegious production and, if you don't take offence at spinning crucifixes or lewd, simulated human or puppet sex on stage, you'll find it divertingly subversive.

By Kate Herbert
 
Gyton Grantley - Jason /Tyrone

Alison Whyte - Margery

Grant Piro - Pastor Greg

Jake Speer - Timothy

Morgana O’Reilly - Jessica.



Creative Team
Gary Abrahams (Director), Jacob Battista (Scenic Design), Amelia Lever-Davidson
HAND TO GOD - Gyton Grantley & Alison Whyte, credit Angel Leggas

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