GASPING

This play written by Ben Elton (the mastermind behind cult classic Blackadder) was first performed in 1990, and one can see how at the time it would have been a searing look at the ludicrous nature of mass marketing and corporate greed. Charting the rise of a dubious invention known as the ‘suck and blow’ – which manages to market ‘designer air’ until worldwide reserves start to run low – it’s pretty easy to see that the message runs delightfully clear and shallow with this one.

But as the play is over 20 years old, in today’s context Gasping unfortunately doesn’t hold up. What would have been witty and interesting back then, now unfortunately just feels somewhat old and dated. That said, the cast of this production make a good fist of it. It’s obvious they are committed, but at every turn the material lets them down. Standout performances come from Natalie Rees as the Weather Girl and Julia Kennedy Scott as Kirsten.

Until Dec 10, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $22-28, 1300 306 776, newtheatre.org.au

WIN! Hey Ben Elton fans! Wanna win a double pass to this latest re-enactment of his 1990 hit? Simply email win@alternativemediagroup.com with all your contact details to go in the running!