The venue’s compact performance space means Burrows makes use of every nook and cranny to store their props, including on their own person. It’s a tea party for one as they begin catapulting spoons into the air by striking their handles against the table, aiming to land one in the teacup balanced on their head. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long for them to pull off the trick, setting the tone for the amusement found in the smallest of gestures.
Stirred Up is modest in scale but effective in its execution, blending the mundane act of making and drinking tea with a measure of silliness and a dash of surrealism. At the beginning, Burrows works their way through the crowd, asking everyone’s names and drink orders. They then serve the beverages using the props at their disposal, adding to the whimsy, that is made all the more impressive by the number of orders they remember.
Burrows demonstrates great control over the action while also showing a willingness to let go and go with the flow. When their table, positioned a little too close to the edge of the stage, tips, they leave it there rather than putting it back in position. Their interactions with the audience are warm, producing some amusing results along the way.
Towards the end, Burrows launches into an abstract dance that feels out of place with the rest of the show. It pulls you out of the experience as you find yourself wondering what purpose it serves and why you’re watching it. Otherwise, Stirred Up is a tightly constructed, engaging piece that finds unexpected comedy in the ordinary. Burrows makes the most of a simple premise, delivering an appealing mix of physical comedy and absurdity that leaves you looking at the humble cuppa with a fresh twist.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The Motley Wherehaus, 432 Queen St, Melbourne
Season: until 18 October | 6.20pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $30 Full | $25 Conc | $22.5 Hump Day Wednesday
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Image credit: Jessica Connell
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