Nobody escapes from private eye Butt Kapinski.
Some people are hesitant to sit in the front row of a stand-up comedy gig for the fear of being singled out by the comedian. When LA gum shoe Butt Kapinski – replete in trench coat and street lamp attachment – is on the loose, however, no seat is safe. No suspect will go unquestioned until the film noir style murder mystery is solved.
While audience interaction can be daunting, the blanket involvement of all in attendance means that nobody is forced to shine in the spotlight for longer than they feel comfortable. Indeed much of the humour and excitement arises from the precariousness of your anonymity. While it must be said that this is not a show for people with phobias or social anxiety, it is also such a novel and engrossing scenario that it should not be avoided simply out of fear of trying something different either. Once the initial hesitation has been overcome, there is a little bit of a performer in almost everyone.
While the audience are important cast members in the tale of intrigue, performer Deanna Fleysher is the star, transforming into the comical persona of Butt Kapinski; a character described as “equal parts Sam Spade and Elmer Fudd”. The show is almost entirely improvised and dependent upon the input of the audience; you could see it every night of Fringe and it would be different each time.
It takes immense courage, skill and intuition to keep the show on the rails, but Butt manages to smoothly captivate for the entire 60 minutes, even when a handful of audience members are not on board for the ride. If you are easily offended or fear being challenged, there are plenty of safer options on offer. If you want a unique experience never to be replicated, then call on Butt Kapinski, Private Eye.
'Butt Kapinski' performs The Garden of Unearthly Delights until 13 March as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival.
