Two {couples}, one double-booked Airbnb — it’s a modern-day nightmare that often spirals into awkward pleasantries or passive-aggressive remarks. But throw Kura Forrester, Chris Parker, Tom Sainsbury, and Brynley Stent into the combo, and also you get Camping: a chaotic, hilarious cocktail of absurdity and brilliance.
First conceived within the 2016 Comedy Festival as a one-hour Basement Theatre present Camping has grown up a bit — now a full-fledged Silo Theatre manufacturing full with a meticulously designed bach set. From the kitschy ‘Lovers Cove’ spelled out in shells on the wall to clashing teal decor and the traditional odd chair on the dinner desk, the set design nails the quintessentially awkward appeal of a Kiwi getaway.
The play opens with Francis (Parker) and Connie (Stent), freshly minted newlyweds on their honeymoon, navigating the treacherous roads to Lovers Cove. Setting the scene with a intelligent use of a backdrop and steering wheel there’s loads of marital rigidity as they crash land into Lovers Cove. It’s clear their crash is extra than simply literal. Francis, ever the overzealous planner of their extravagant marriage ceremony (full with a horse-drawn carriage), appears deeply in denial about his closeted id. Meanwhile, poor Connie is desperately anticipating consummation: the wedding appears destined for derailment.
Enter Les (Sainsbury) and Fleur (Forrester), 25 years into a wedding caught in a rut. Les is all puppy-like devotion, doting on Fleur and craving connection, but Fleur is much extra invested in actuality TV than her husband. Their dynamic, crammed with unstated frustrations, units up the proper distinction to the youthful couple’s chaos.
The plot gadget of a storm traps these two mismatched pairs collectively for the evening. Cue a collection of more and more ridiculous competitions for who will get the mattress and who will get the (culturally correct) pull out in the lounge. The humour is sharp and self-aware, rooted within the absurdities of Kiwi tradition.
However, regardless of the slick manufacturing values, Camping nonetheless feels at instances like a set of comedy skits loosely strung collectively. The performers’ stage presence doesn’t all the time fill the area, and overlapping dialogue sometimes muddies the comedic timing. It’s shut to completely transitioning from a comedy present to a theatrical manufacturing, however there’s room to develop in delivering to a big viewers.
That stated, the eccentric characters and their hijinks shine, touchdown even probably the most audacious innuendos with ease. Fleur lusts after Francis (and sometimes Connie), Francis eyes Les, and Les? Well, he’s able to ‘fuck all of them’ because the story builds to a hilariously absurd climax — a full-blown orgy scene. Yes, you learn that proper.
What might’ve been crude or gratuitous as an alternative turns into an unexpectedly festivity of sexual liberation. Draped in sparkly bodysuits (full with dangling bits, bush, and all), the characters embrace their wishes, smashing stereotypes about sexual orientation and difficult notions of repression.
Francis places it finest: he’s not straight or homosexual — he’s simply right here for the pleasure between consenting adults. This unabashed exploration of our bodies, connection, and pleasure elevates Camping past mere comedy turning it right into a playful but provocative assertion about freedom and intimacy.
The play ends on a surprisingly tender be aware, because the foursome processes their evening of debauchery and verify in on one another’s emotions and stamina. With simply sufficient time earlier than checkout they agree—a very good time was had —and there’s time for an additional spherical.
Camping is a lusty, sexy romp that skewers cultural taboos with wit and coronary heart. It challenges our concepts of sexual id and intimacy whereas providing a laugh-out-loud Kiwi expertise. A gloriously absurd celebration of connection, it’s a present that completely deserves its place on stage.
Camping by Silo Theatre is enjoying the 14 November – 8 December at Q Theatre
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