Review: Faux Real at The Basement

Gareth Williams in 'Faux Real'. Photo / Supplied

Solo performer Gareth Williams takes us on a delightfully whimsical journey inside his head and gives credence to the psychological theory that dreams can reveal parts of the self that have been ignored, rejected or suppressed.

In the cold light of day, few would own up to being Johnny Farnham's biggest fan but in Gareth Williams' dream world the Australian pop idol looms like an omnipotent god seducing a star-struck admirer with the opportunity to walk in his shoes.

In a similar vein, an innocuous desk lamp becomes a fetish object triggering an extended piece of silliness in which the elasticity of the spring-loaded lamp conjures up a sexually suggestive equine fantasy.

Rob Larsen, who created the effects for Apollo 13, skilfully evokes the unpredictable weirdness of the subconscious by building a subtle interface between the performer and a sophisticated array of digital projections.

The soundtrack adds to the lunacy with the exaggerated theatricality of a movie score along with quirky alterations of everyday sounds - including a hilarious pastiche of early morning radio that has the Radio New Zealand bird call replaced with the sound of a squirrel.

In the end the show struggles to find a meaningful resolution and creating the atomised weirdness of a parallel reality proves easier than weaving the enchanting fragments into a satisfying narrative.

However, the show is consistently entertaining thanks largely to the endearing goofiness of Gareth Williams' performance. His interaction with the dislocated voice of John Farnham provides a comic highlight with the pop star's solipsistic assumption of superiority eventually giving way to the mean-spirited petulance of a spoilt child.

The one-hour show displays an idiosyncratic quality and admirable willingness to experiment with theatrical forms. Dan Musgrove's fast-paced direction and capricious changes in tone keep the audience engaged.

Faux Real is on at The Basement until June 12.