Review: Buff & Sheen (Dancebase)

Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best, particularly when it comes to physical theatre and children’s shows. Performed through a large window, this thirty-minute clown piece sees Suzi Cunningham and Alex McCabe play window cleaners. That is the whole premise – and it works perfectly as a base that allows them to show off their impressive physical comedic chops.

Sequences involving getting stuck to windows, and getting confused as they each undo each other’s work as soon as their back is turned, are easily entertaining for audiences young and old. Even sequences for which there is no obvious joke, just some dance and window cleaning, are visually interesting. Their interaction with the audience, the youngest of whom quickly lost interest in staying within their duct-taped squares on the floor, is exceptionally charming.

If I have any criticism, for such a short show it was a little slow to get started. But even so, the attention to the audience experience, going so far as to let the children play with bubbles and window markers after the performance had finished, make it a show that absolutely must be sought out for parents of little ones. It’s nothing but good, clean fun. Four stars.

Photo Credit: Carlos Hernan