Game Boys Cinematic Universe - Melbourne Fringe Festival preview

Most of us have fond memories of trips to theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Universal Studies, Dreamworld and even Gumbuya Park (now Gumbuya World). As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, audiences can not only relive these moments but also experience a new and exciting park with Game Boys Cinematic Universe. Our personal guides, brothers Eden and Josh Porter take us on the famous Game Boys Studios Backlot Tour, to be dazzled by all the behind-the-scenes magic and getting a unique look into how the movie industry operates.

The Porters have numerous memories related to theme parks, where even the not-so-great ones are still entertaining. “We went to Movie World up in Queensland one holidays as a family and on the back-lot tour they tried to get our Mum up on stage for a green screen performance. They did not know our Mum. She initially pretending not to notice them pointing at her, followed by the head shake, then the "no", then the "no thank you", then the "no, not interested",” the brothers tell me. “Then the guide tried to do the old trick where they ask the audience to cheer for the lady in the floral dress to come up on stage which works 99% of the time. Mum was the 1%. After about 6 minutes of trying to get her up, he finally gave up and the tour continued with a much more fun volunteer.”

Game Boys Cinematic Universe - Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

I have a confession to make: I have only been to two theme parks in my entire life and one of those has been Luna Park. So I was filled with much excitement as I entered Game Boys Cinematic Universe, a comedic pastiche to theme parks of the 90s, particularly those with a focus on film and the cinematic experience, such as Movie World. We are welcomed by our hosts, brothers Eden and Josh Porter (Game Boys) and before we know it, we are strapped in for our Backlot Tour of Game Boys Studios.

Game Boys Cinematic Universe is highly interactive with audience participation but the Game Boys duo are so extremely charming and friendly that you end up wanting to participate. The attention to detail in what a theme park should look and feel like and the dedication the two have in their characters allows the audience to be swept away by the entire adventure. Inspired use of AV technology ensures the exaggerated scenarios they take us through, including the sound studios where Hans Zimmer is hard at work, strengthen the world that is being presented to us.