From the folks at Interactive Theatre International comes 'Signor Baffo', an interactive family comedy in the kitchen starring Josh Burton.
'Signor Baffo' has toured the UK since 2013, and 11 years later will make its Australian premiere at Adelaide Fringe.
Signor Baffo is left in charge of the kitchen, and chaos ensues on his watch – but important questions get their answers too, like what's the best way to mix meatballs with spaghetti? How does a sausage roll?
It's a supremely silly interactive show for kids and their families.
Josh Burton – who plays Signor Baffo, is an actor, writer, comedian and singer with more than ten years of professional experience, having written and performed sketch/improv comedy with his brother in comedy duo The Burton Brothers. Josh has also had roles in the likes of ‘Neighbours’, ‘Holding The Man’, and ‘Son Of A Gun’.
We speak to the man under the chef's hat, as he provides insight on the production itself, plus the concept of tapping into his inner child to perform for a young audience.
This is an Australian premiere. What can audiences expect in this show?
A whole lot of fun and a little bit of everything. Big energy, silly characters, physical comedy, songs, dances, improv, audience participation and of course, disastrous kitchen mayhem. It's a smorgasbord of children's entertainment where nothing gets left on the table.
For you, what’s the biggest reward in playing this character?
It's the response of the kids. Kids are hands down the most fun audience to perform for because to them, in that moment, it is everything. They become invested in the story and the character and they stay with you for the whole ride. Sharing in the joys, trials and mishaps. When your audience cares so much about what you are doing and you get to witness in real time how much fun they are having, how can that not inspire you to have equally as much fun with them?
Where did the inspiration behind the show/Signor Baffo as a character come from?
The creator, director and original star of the show, Oliver, wanted to make something that his own children could enjoy. As for the character's inspiration you would have to ask him, but I like to think he must have been messing around in the kitchen with his kids when he had his 'aha' moment. Nothing is funnier than seeing an adult make a good mess.
This show has been touring the UK for more than a decade. What do you think is the magic ingredient for its longevity?
It's the physical comedy. It's a universal language that can be enjoyed no matter your age or language skills. We all love watching an adult be silly, fall down, make messes and behave like a fool. I know I certainly did as a child and it is my honour to carry that tradition on for the next generation.
As a comedian/performer in general, what’s it like to switch gears to perform for a primarily young audience?
I think it's just about tapping in to your inner child. I'm usually just thinking about what I would have found funny or entertaining at that age and locking in to that mind frame. It's about being in a perpetual state of enthusiasm, playfulness and wonder.
What kind of preparation comes with preparing to perform for kids?
I worked at a primary school for ten years so I feel like I have been training for this my whole life. It's a certain frequency you have to tune in to but once you are in it you don't slip out of it for a second. Except maybe for the occasional joke you throw in just for the parents which becomes its own fun little mini game.
What would you say is the biggest challenge of it?
Conserving energy throughout the show. I love to throw myself in right from the beginning and give each moment everything I have, but when it's just you alone on stage for 50 minutes being extremely physical, I quickly learned that I'll have to pace myself because I felt like I had just run a marathon. Kids theatre should be considered an Olympic event.
What are you most looking forward to about giving this show to Adelaide Fringe audiences?
It's definitely the improv and audience participation. The moments that are unique to each show and that will only happen on that day. You can never predict what a kid is going to say or do and as someone with an improv background this is simply a delight. The kids essentially become the co-stars of the show and I cannot wait to get to perform alongside them.
'Signor Baffo' plays Ukiyo at Gluttony – Rymill Park (Adelaide Fringe) 17 February-17 March.
