THE VIRTUAL STAGE

Spank!

Written and Directed by Andy Thompson

Dates 7 - 20 October 2006 Venue Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews

Reviewer Ed Farolan

I really don't know what to make out of this absurdist sci-fi comedy incorporating stagecraft and mixed media. For a theatre purist, it's profane to combine these elements. But for a theatregoer who wants to have a good time with some occasional coarse language and mature content, this is probably a show to see.

I thought the show was a bit long, though. One hour for the first half, a 20-minute intermission (which actually ended up being 30 minutes), and another hour. Sitting this long even for a movie gets a bit tiring. But I must congratulate Andy Thompson who used to be a video addict and is now the creator of sci-fi comedies.

In his notes, he says it took four years in the making of this "existential comedy." He also makes his professional debut as a director. Well, congratulations. I think doing shows like this would put a little variety to the theatre scene here in Vancouver.

© 2006 Ed Farolan