Whilst queuing for 'Midnight Rumble,' I am approached by an Udderbelly staff member, who, handing over a sheet of paper states, “Eleanor wants everyone to fill in these forms.” Eleanor wants to know the weirdest place you have had sex, the bravest thing you have ever done as well as the most ridiculous. I make a mental note 'how to obtain extra material from the audience.'
Once inside the room I realise this is totally an audience participation show in its entirety. The audience here know what they are getting and are eager to be a part of it. The age range is mainly 20 to 30. Eleanor Conway gets on stage in a mad 'Russell Brandesque' manner and it’s all whoops and cheers.
In a boxing match style Conway introduces acts that are performing at the fringe and the audience decide who they think should win. There is a mad, surreal atmosphere and I imagine this is what an 18-30 holiday must be like. Conway does manage to keep this under control but there is a tension that makes you wonder whether it could easily tip into a free for all.
This is really challenged when the last guest comments that he wants to use the bathroom. There are immediate heckles of “piss in a cup,' which are again, akin to an 18-30's style holiday. It quickly becomes an intimidating chant. Conway tries to diffuse the situation by getting the main heckler on stage, and you guessed it, he pissed into the cup.
Taking this all into consideration I did enjoy the show, however, one does wonder who is doing the work? Conway or the audience?
What Eleanor talked about: sex, people's urinating habits and audience participation.
Show Details: 11.55 pm, Underbelly, Bristo Square. BOOK HERE.
Rating: 