The Motley Bauhaus

Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom

Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom

Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom Rating

★★★★★

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Aliens, lesbians and eighties music: three surefire ways of getting me in a room. All three…together? Let’s just say I was first in line to catch the opening performance of ‘Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom’ at the Motley last night.

Presented by How Delightful Theatre, ‘Bev & Myrt’ follows a secret society of alien investigators defending the Hoddle Grid from extraterrestrial terrors: galactic parasites, sentient robots, conservative real estate agents. When AI threatens to absorb the minds of Melburnians, Bev (Jenny Lovel), Myrt (Amanda Owen) and their son Jamie (Jackson Eather) must take down evil tech conglomerates all the while navigating their own growing pains at home.

Writer and producer David Innes, producer and dramaturg Dr Stayci Taylor, and director Cale Dennis clearly had a distinct vision for the show. With a razor-sharp script and just enough fourth-wall stroking to keep things perfectly meta, ‘Bev & Myrt’ was an unapologetically nerdy and hilariously queer little slice of theatre. Think Douglas Adams meets ‘Ghostbusters’: irreverent, witty, weird, and so on the nose. It was quintessentially Melburnian too, so full of in-jokes the crowd spent more time laughing than not. With a runtime of an hour, ‘Bev & Myrt’ is a masterclass in short-form playwriting and I only wish it ran longer for my own selfish reasons.

 

Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom
Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom

 

Jenny Lovel, Amanda Owen and Jackson Eather were outstanding to watch as a unit, with brilliant chemistry on stage and some unforgettable physical comedy. Liliana Braumberger, Kitt Forbes, Alex Joy and Donna Prince effortlessly navigated several roles all the while puppeteering tentacled robots and throwing around props left right and centre. The sound and lighting design never missed a beat either, which is a testament to just how much work was put into this show by the entire cast and crew.

It would be easy to fall into all shenanigans and no substance in a show like this (especially given the short runtime) but I’m happy to report that wasn’t the case. ‘Bev & Myrt’ was fun all the way through, but it was the moments of queer love that resonated so personally in an otherwise unworldly story. It was at heart a celebration of our elder queer heroes: the people who loved and fought for us and the people we can hope to become ourselves—aliens or no.

You can catch ‘Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom’ at the Motley Bauhaus until the 8th of February!

To book tickets to Bev & Myrt and the Scrolling of Doom, please visit https://tickets.midsumma.org.au/event/396:1014/.

Photographer: Mark Gambino

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A Step Into The Unknown

Other Gods

Other Gods Rating

★★★★★

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The Melbourne Fringe Festival is in full swing and the Motley Bauerhouse in Carlton plays host to the debut performance of Other Gods.

The lights brighten to a minimalistic stage, a small room as though the audience have been invited in to an intimate moment in time.

It’s here we meet Tom (Sorab Kaikobad), a priest who has sworn celibacy. Yet as the play unfolds we see Tom face his most soul searching moment when he meets the enchanting Marina ( Emily Kruse). Tom must face the most difficult choice in his life- his love for the Gods he worships, or his heart.

Other Gods is an intriguing story, one that is set in a mysterious place and time.

It explores the themes of conflict, love, religion and identity.

Whilst the actors all give heartfelt performances though, the story never really takes off. It feels as though we are invited into the story half way through and there are pieces of the puzzle missing. The religion that is mentioned is only half explained, the characters don’t have a strong story arc, and the concept just feels a little unfinished.

 

Other Gods
Other Gods
Other Gods

 

The minimal set design does let the audience focus on the dialogue, which is effective and the soft lighting gives a nice atmosphere. The intimacy of the room makes the performance seem like we are strangers invited into a world and a snapshot in time.

Where does this intriguing world fit into ours- the question is never really answered, we only get a glimpse. However we know that it’s mythical- as the worship of Gods is mentioned several times.

A quite entertaining play, Other Gods certainly raises some interesting questions, exploring themes of love, conflict and turmoil.

The cast give good performances, the dialogue is intellectual and are enjoyable. There are moments of humour with Asher Griffith-Jones as Ant giving a comedic performance, bringing lighthearted moments to the play.

Other Gods is a play that even with it’s unusual fantasy setting manages to explore themes of love and inner turmoil in a way that is pleasant to watch and it is interesting to be allowed into the fantasy world the characters inhabit.

To book tickets to Other Gods, please visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/other-gods.

Photographer: Tom Noble Creative

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A Twist of Fate

A Twist of Fate

A Twist of Fate Rating

★★★★★

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As someone who has a love for the unusual (think Black Mirror, Supernatural, The X-Files), when this show landed in my inbox, I immediately jumped at the chance to see it. A Twist of Fate was advertised as ‘4 short plays, 4 devastating twists’ and I ouldn’t help but wonder if this series of plays lives up to the shows I so loved? Shows that provided such comfort to my younger self?

So, entering the Motley Bauhaus, surrounded by bricks and nestled in an old theatre seat far comfier than those of today, I waited. And in succession I watched Bestow, Mr Moore Wants Less, Mr Id and Possession.

Each of these plays made me either cackle in delight, widen my eyes or, pleasantly, a mixture of both!

Bestow had an infectious sense of comedy, of power, of understanding how to mix both the unusual and the highly relatable into one. I saw myself in all the characters and was totally hooked through each scare and each comedic beat.

Mr Id had more energy than a toddler after 3 lolly bags and I must give a commendation to Liliana Braumberger who played the title character for solidly keeping this energy. This was a play of moral dilemmas, sponsorships (that became increasingly more silly) and heart.

 

A Twist of Fate
A Twist of Fate
A Twist of Fate

 

Possession was both innocent and curious, in a way that makes you almost feel pity for the title character. This is, of course, until the end twist. I swear I heard jaws drop to the floor and I really commend Kate Weston on holding the stage presence of the most delightful (and perhaps most twisted) little girl I have ever seen.

However, my favourite of the plays was Mr Moore Wants Less. Each scene, each character, each ridiculous scenario knew how wild it was and revelled in it. It also caused me to think, in the best way possible and genuinely felt both heartwarming and completely bonkers. This is one of my favourite combinations and was beautifully presented on stage.

As the Producer of Scary Goats Theatre, Chloe Towan played host to this tremendous piece of stage work. Towan was invested, intrigued and played the perfect disturbing narrator. It’s also a delight to see a company that works with many people in many roles. No-one really wears one hat. Each person played a significant role (if not multiple roles) in putting on a show that was unsettling, thought provoking and giggle-inducing in writing, acting, directing and more.

This show created not only a sense of community, but also a sense of beauty. And if this is the future of Melbourne Independent Theatre, then I cannot wait to see more. This show knew what it was, how to deliver and how to make the most fun out of it all. So, did it meet my expectations? No, it fully exceeded them. And maybe, just maybe that’s my own Twist of Fate….

To book tickets to A Twist of Fate, please visit https://linktr.ee/scarygoatstheatre.

Photographer: Kieran McNamara

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Comedy On The Rocks – Theatre, Drinks, and Laughs!

Comedy On The Rocks

Comedy On The Rocks Rating

★★★★★

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Comedy On The Rocks is the perfect way to spend a few hours for an afternoon of laughs, creativity, and cheeky fun. Held at the delightfully chaotic and cosy Motley Bauhaus, this theatrical drinking game combines quick-witted performances, unpredictable plays, and communal cheers to deliver a boozy comedy experience unlike anything else on the Melbourne independent theatre scene.

The Format: Cheers to Surprise
The premise is simple but ingenious: six short comedy plays, each crafted by talented performers. Every play features three designated “Cheers!” moments that keep the audience on their toes: an action (like an actor jumping), a prop appearance (say, a trusty fry pan), and a line of dialogue (like “Speak of the devil!”). The result? Every time these cues appear, the audience raises their drinks, whoops and sips. It’s participatory theatre at its most playful.

What makes Comedy On The Rocks particularly special is its spontaneity. With a rotating cast and new material for each show, all performances are different. You genuinely don’t know what’s coming next – which, let’s be honest, is half the fun.

The Show: Inventive, Funny, and Just a Bit Tipsy
The short plays showcased a variety of comedic styles, from quick banter to absurd gags, proving the creativity of Melbourne’s emerging theatre scene. While the sketches varied in tone and execution, the overall vibe was fresh, inventive, and energetic. Of particular note were the performances by the show’s organisers and hosts, Cat and Caz, whose impeccable comic timing and natural chemistry made their sketch one of the day’s highlights.

 

Comedy On The Rocks Theatre
Comedy On The Rocks Theatre
Comedy On The Rocks Theatre

The tight runtime – about two hours, including a 20-minute interval – is perfect for keeping the energy high and the drinks flowing without overdoing it. Whether you’re a casual theatre-goer or a comedy lover, the unpredictability ensures something for everyone.

The Venue: Motley Bauhaus – Tight but Delightful
The Motley Bauhaus adds its own charm to the experience. Sure, the theatre seating can feel a little snug, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. The bar buzzes with pre-show excitement, and the live jazz band playing outside post-performance adds a delightful bonus, creating an authentic festival vibe.

For those who enjoy supporting local and independent talent, Comedy On The Rocks feels like a celebration of the best Melbourne has to offer: creativity, camaraderie, and a generous side of fun.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss It
The final show on 15th December promises another lineup of fresh, unpredictable sketches. If Cat and Caz have anything to do with it, you’re guaranteed a good time. Grab your mates, grab a drink, and get ready to cheer your way through a fast, funny, and delightfully silly afternoon of theatre.

In short, Comedy On The Rocks is fun. It’s creative, surprising, and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re a sketch comedy or theatre fan or simply looking for a boozy afternoon out, this show delivers in spades. Cheers to that!

Details:
What: Comedy On The Rocks – A Theatre Drinking Game
Where: Motley Bauhaus
When: Final show on 15th December
Drinks: From 3PM
Performances: 3:30PM–5:30PM (20-min interval)
Tickets: Includes a mystery prize raffle!

Take your chance to sip, shout, and laugh one last time.

Photographer:- Ian Thrussel

To book tickets to Comedy On The Rocks, please visit The Motley Bauhaus.

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