★★★★★
Alfred Kouris and Harry Stacey Bake A Cake does exactly what it says on the tin. Alfred and Harry WILL bake a cake, you WILL get to eat some and you WILL have one of the funniest nights, maybe ever. At least that was my experience.
I caught opening night at Old Fitz Theatre and still haven’t been able to digest (wink) exactly what went down.
Trying to explain what this show is feels impossible. It’s somewhere between sketch comedy, stand-up, improv and theatre. I don’t want to say too much, though, because half the fun is sitting there wondering what the hell is going to happen next. What I will say is I have no idea how they got this made. And I mean that in the best possible way.
This is the kind of work that we almost never get to see here in Sydney. The realities of our industry often squash this kind of creativity. Taking big swings is rare when up against so much red tape and tight budgets. Massive props to Lucy and Emma, along with the whole Fitz team, who consistently choose to back young artists and their wildest ideas.
Now, to the power couple behind the madness. Alfred Kouris returns to the Fitz stage following a 5-star run of Three Sisters. He couldn’t have picked a more different project, yet he’s just as fantastic. He had the audience in the palm of his hand all night.
Alongside Kouris is Harry Stacey of All Boys (KXT) fame. Comedic timing comes to him with such ease that it’s a joy every time I get to watch Stacey perform.
The thing that makes this show sing is the chemistry between the two. The only people having more fun than the audience are Alfred and Harry. They’re constantly testing each other and working the room. This show feels like a living, breathing thing that evolves every night.
Speaking of things that changes every night, a special shout-out to Jasmine Power, who stage-managed this beast of a show and got a cameo moment. Calling this show would genuinely send me into an early grave. Jasmine, you are a hero.
Lighting designer Thomas Shepherd also deserves his flowers. He somehow transforms a very intimate theatre space into a full stadium-sized spectacle.
This is the through line creatively for me. This team achieves so much with so little. Taking on a late-night slot is no joke. You’re working around another production’s set and rig, yet I was totally immersed in their world.
Alfred Kouris and Harry Stacey Bake A Cake is what independent theatre is all about. Pushing boundaries, trying something different and making work that probably shouldn’t exist but does – and we are all the better for it!
And if none of this has sold you, just know that you get to eat the cake at the end.
A show and a sweet treat. What more could you want?
Alfred Kouris and Harry Stacey Bake A Cake is presented by Irregular Programming and runs to 7 June at Old Fitz Theatre. 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/alfred-kouris-and-harry-stacey-bake-a-cake
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/
Photo credits: Braiden Toko
