The Jinglists

This is one damn quirky play and God only knows what Warwick Allsopp and Tamlyn Henderson were on when they conceived the idea!

Ever wondered what life would be like for those people who come up with the annoying little jingles that you hear and cannot get out of your head for days on end? Well this production tries to imagine exactly what type of lives these people live, and wow is it weird.

Locked away in a dirty apartment somewhere in town where you dare not travel live two rather unique individuals – played by Allsopp and Henderson – who make their living writing jingles. Heard of Sphincterine or Cheese with Meat or Toilet Titanic? These two are developing some rather interesting jingles to sell these products to you.

Slightly odd, a little excentric, maybe a little out there and not the kinds of people you would want to take home to meet your mother: this is how you would describe these two characters, both of whom were abandoned by their parents at an early age and left to fend for themselves writing tunes for advertisements.

Jo Turner has directed what can only be described as a mash up between Monty Python, cabaret and slapstick comedy, with numerous sight gags. It is a very entertaining piece of theatre, with some really creative sets and musical numbers. Indeed, the set – and costumes – work beautifully and special mention needs to be given to designer Jemima Snars. Look out for the umbilical cord.

Allsopp and Henderson developed The Jinglists in 2008 following the unexpected successes of their debut work A Pothole into the Mind of the Vanquished. The Jinglists has toured to Melbourne Comedy Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, The Underbelly at Edinburgh Festival and Soho Theatre in London to much success. After their Sydney season, they’ll continue to develop their third production The Pork Stilletto.

If you love the silly antics of Monty Python or in-your-face humour, this is a show for you. Do expect to laugh and be entertained.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Garnet Productions in association with Tamarama Rock Surfers present
The Jinglists
Written and performed by Warwick Allsopp and Tamlyn Henderson
Director: Jo Turner

Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Bondi
2 February–18 February, 2012
Bookings: 02 8019 0282 or www.rocksurfers.org