While I haven’t read the book, it’s safe to assume that Alex Donnelly and Lachlan Gough have, and have seemingly stayed faithful to the source material while injecting it with a generous dose of absurdity and laughs. Donnelly performs as both generations of McKinley men, along with a few other supporting characters, but none are ridiculed or mocked for their pursuit. In this world, Bigfoot is real, and the humour comes from the explorers’ wild observations, curious thoughts, and adventures. What Handful of Bugs do exceptionally well is build a world within a world within a world. Each layer cleverly honours what came before while building on it with a fresh perspective.
Last year, the company had a huge venue for the amazing The John Wilkes Booth, a show that took place entirely in a restaurant. This time round, they’re working with a much smaller space to conjure up a vast forest environment. Thanks to Gough’s direction and Donnelly’s set design and props, they pull it off with ease. A tent, a campfire, and a camping chair do plenty to ground us in the setting. The rest is left to our imagination, but Gough’s sound design and Donnelly’s miming - like when he's collecting firewood - make it completely effortless for us.
Introducing a character whose arms and legs are the size of tree trunks is a logistical nightmare, but with some inventive audio and sound, Bigfoot is brought to life, which includes an awesome musical montage celebrating the friendship between the two. 80s music and dance play a big role in this show, with one moment featuring more proud thrusting than John Travolta managed in Perfect.
Bigfoot: In Plain Sight also explores the tension between artistic integrity and creative liberties when telling someone’s story or spotlighting a factual event. It’s delivered in a surprising way that momentarily stuns the room before everyone bursts out laughing again.
Bigfoot: In Plain Sight is clever, chaotic, and has more heart than you’d expect from a show about a possibly imaginary creature. This isn’t poking fun at people obsessed with finding Bigfoot, but a layered, self-aware romp that respects the story it sprang from while having an absolute blast with it. If you’re up for a night of intelligent silliness, 80s power moves, and unexpected storytelling, this is one tall tale well worth chasing.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank
Season: until 20 April | Tues - Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $27 Full | $25 Conc
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
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