REVIEW: Skyduck – A Chinese Spy Comedy

The promo image is a little misleading – this is a solo show, although Sam Wang’s energy and characterisations will convince you you’re watching more than one person. With only a few props and simple back wall projections, Wang creates a hilarious sequence of scenarios around a fictitious (or is it?) Chinese/American/Australian aerial/cyber war games intrigue. 

Captain Yan and Agent Chang are Chinese secret operatives who have been charged with stealing sophisticated and powerful flight simulation software from the Americans. This is Operation Skyduck. They devise a plan that involves infiltrating the Royal Australian Aerobatic Squadron whose leader is more sports-coach and choreographer than military warrior. They are foiled, however, when American NSA hero Commander Kendrick, discovers their plan and sabotages it. Or something like that. 

It’s a corkscrew plot with gripping tension broken only by ping pong balls, a knitted doll, tiny fighting figurines, and wooden crate come Transformer. 

Wang weaves seamlessly through Mandarin (there are subtitles on the wall), English with a Mandarin accent, ‘strayn accent, and an American accent. He also has great physical humour, with his body and facial gestures often making the subtitles redundant. 

There’s a healthy dose of pop culture references with 1990s blockbuster movie mentions and lots of K-Pop and karaoke playlist background music. 

Wang uses classic tropes and cultural stereotypes in a non-abusive, clever, hysterically funny, hour-long skit that has no higher purpose than to make you laugh.

Until Jul 20. Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $25+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich