Comedic chaos rules in Strassman's iTedE
InReview
In this modern world teeming with social media, gadgets and entertainment on demand, is there still a place for imagination and wonder?
This is the question plaguing talented ventriloquist David Strassman as he takes to the stage with his new show, iTedE.
A surprisingly thought-provoking exploration of society’s dependence on technology, iTedE begins with a troubled Strassman toiling away in his workshop, desperately trying to create something that will capture the imagination – and attention – of today’s social media users.
Assisting him in this endeavour is the lovable Ted E Bare (a clear audience favourite on opening night), contemptuous foul mouth Chuck Wood and a host of other both lovable and questionable characters.
Strassman’s efforts are constantly hampered by the antics of Chuck, who, when not trolling for dates on Tinder, seems more interested in harassing Ted E Bare and derailing any attempt at a serious conversation between Strassman and his fellow puppets.
With his naive sense of childlike wonder, Ted is as lovable as ever, while Kevin the Alien provides some intergalactic insight into humankind’s hunger for technology. Rounding off the cast is Sid Beaverman – whose jokes are a little hit-and-miss – and Grandpa Fred, a wise old bear with an attention span shorter than that of Ted E.
With all five characters on stage, it doesn’t take long for the conversation to steer away from the topic of technology and a frazzled Strassman seems genuinely lost in the confusion as he struggles to bring the group back to point.
Ironically, iTedE uses advanced puppetronics and the latest in wireless technology to bring these characters to life. In what promoters describe as a “world first”, Strassman operates and voices five characters simultaneously, holding an impressive six-way panel discussion in the show’s closing moments.
He has also obviously done his homework, tailoring jokes to suit Adelaide’s current social and political trends (although a few might be considered a bit below-the-belt).
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Whether you’re a fan of his work or just looking for a fun night out with the world’s cutest teddy bear, David Strassman’s iTedE is worth seeing.
iTedE is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until May 29.
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