Babyface, by Nick Tipa
New Athenaeum Theatre — Monday, March 17
Review by BRENDA HARWOOD
The weird and wonderful world of pro-wrestling was brought to life in a rambunctious, intensely physical performance by Babyface writer/performer Nick Tipa at the NAT last night.
Directed by Sara Georgie, the local production for Dunedin Fringe Festival is a hilarious romp through the life and times of small town New Zealand, through the eyes of 10 year-old wrestling fan ‘‘Whiplash’’ (real name Kahu).
Moving to a new town with his parents, Kahu navigates the challenges of making friends, dealing with school, and family life, while getting up to mischief and ‘‘studying’’ wrestling — his chosen career.
Kahu’s efforts to deal with day-to-day life are made hugely entertaining by Tipa’s skill as an actor, frequently carrying out conversations between two and three people on his own, children and adults, with perfect clarity.
Making good use of a very clever set, complete with padded wrestling ring, built by Sofian Scott (stage management/props/set), he stages full-on wrestling matches filled with throws and falls, also on his own.
Adding to the excitement and helping to drive the story forward is a fantastic soundtrack by music/sound designer Zac Nicholls, lighting designer/operator Quinn Hardie, photography by Katy Lockwood, and videography by Ashley Heydon.
All in all, Babyface is a fantastic, high energy, very funny show, with a loveable character at its heart.
Performances for tonight and tomorrow are sold out.
Writer and performer Nick Tipa delivers an intensely physical performance in his show Babyface. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
