The year? Unclear. The place? Unknown. The premise? A group of scarecrows, their primary purpose made redundant by the impacts of climate change, have formed a commune with their own radio station. A visiting scarecrow and climate activist joins the group and learns more about the secrets of their new home…
Deeply absurd from the get-go, this production is surprisingly charming as the grotesque scarecrows (brilliantly designed with Nora Stocker's costumes and Brigitte Frank's masks) are able to immediately endear themselves to us with their whimsical characters and sensitive souls. Evoking a cursed version of the Teletubbies – please do read this as a compliment, it is – every performance is strong and unique, but Nuno Lucas' comedic beats are the delightful highlight of the show – a masterclass in subtlety and comic timing, especially within such a bizarre set-up.
The set, designed by Philippe Quesne and Nicole Marianna Wytyczak, is a perfect backdrop for this story – a stark and unusual blend of nothingness, familiarity and fun ensures we are instantly ill at ease and yet intrigued throughout the piece.
Unfortunately, while entertaining in parts, this play does not succeed in achieving its potential and saying something impactful about the need to protect our planet – in fact, we are left waiting for a point to be made and too busy laughing at silly scarecrows or confused about mystical eggs to hear it. The musical interludes throughout are very enjoyable but generally lack any substance, and not in a way that feels meaningful. That being said, hearing ‘Dingle Dangle Scarecrow' reimagined as an intimidating rap is an unexpected source of joy if nothing else!
Overall, Farm Fatale is a well-crafted production that lacks bite.
Review: Penny Lane Photo: Martin Argyroglo