BANGING DENMARK at The New Theatre is the best show in town. And it’s only $25, complete with brilliant acting, an imaginative set and striking sound effects. Take note, the play has nothing to do with Denmark or international affairs. It has everything to do with affairs.
Playwright Van Badham, one of Australia’s best contemporary commentators, has created this biting comedy that brings out the belly laughs while laying bare the cruel aspects of toxic male culture and the dangers of social media.
Jake Newhouse is a management consultant and podcaster promoting aggressive and heartless pursuit of women for sex. His opposite is Toby, the kindly mathematician who is too shy to pursue Denyse. Denyse is the friend of a feminist named Ish. Ish has recently lost all her money in an unfair social media defamation case. Homeless, she lives in her office behind the Xerox machine. Jake pursues a beautiful Danish librarian but is rejected. He asks Ish to give him tips on how to win over the Dane and offers to pay her for the advice.
Congratulations to New Theatre for daring to produce this complex play. In the hands of a less talented team. BANGING DENMARK could go seriously off the rails. But it stays on track and speeds along to an unexpected and clever ending.
Congratulations to Director Madeleine Withington for holding this fast-moving rom-com together. Ish is played by Sarah Greenwood. She is the key character, the tour de force of the show – brilliant, funny, agile and beautiful even in her tracky- dacks. Jake is played by Matt Abotomey, Denyse by Kandice Joy, Toby by Gerry Mullaly and the librarian by Emelia Corlett – all perfectly cast.
The story is suitable for 18 year olds to 90 year olds. Don’t miss this show.
The final performance is Saturday September 30 at 2PM.
Running time: 110 minutes
Full $25
Concessions $20
Deadly Tix $14.50
Tickets now on sale at sydneyfringe.com
Production photos by Campbell Parsons