By Christopher Johnson
The Unseen Theatre Company presents Pratchett Pieces Three, a series of five bite sized plays based on the short stories written by Discworld creator Terry Pratchett and adapted by director Pamela Munt.
Pratchett Pieces Three is currently on show at the Bakehouse Theatre and is a part of this year’s Adelaide Fringe.
The five plays are introduced by Samm Blackmore as Footnote or more appropriately “the essential glue that holds it all together” whose classy performance keeps the audience in the know between scenes. Footnote, introduces the first play involving an inquisitive philosopher (played by James Loader), as he formulates a philosophical argument about existence to none other than Death, hilariously portrayed by Hugh O’Connor.
The second and longest play, The Trails, involves director Pamela Munt taking up her familiar witchy role, this time as Granny Weatherwax. Weatherwax tries to convince fellow witch Nanny Ogg (Michelle Wichelo), and townsfolk that she can learn to be nice.
The third play, feels like a real mash-up with chickens, journalists, park rangers, a hippy and more. Kate Hall does a fantastic job as the ever so boring research officer, dotting out ways in which the chickens could reach their demise.
Death is back for the fourth play, joining the dance floor as he listens to seventies beats dished out by the nerdy Wayne, played by James Loader. Wayne’s buddy John, acted by Paul Messenger, retells police officer (Kate Hall), the story of the night in which death struck.
The final play hilariously pokes fun at academics as the wizards of the Discworld’s most prestigious University discuss some of the issues that plague their academic life.
Overall the plays were both amusing and entertaining. There was some missed potential with cross references between the plays but that is only a minor quibble to an overall solid set of plays.
You can still see it at the Bakehouse Theatre. Book tickets through the website (http://www.bakehousetheatre.com/bookings) or through Fringe.
Show ends 24th February.
Definitely recommended for Pratchett fans.
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