5 stars
The physical comedian is a marvellous beast. Through movement and the occasional subtle vocalisation, they must impart on their performance the richness of characterisation and humour that other performers deliver through spoken word, prop and costume.
Of all the physical comedians, there are none more skillful than Jess Clough-MacRae.
Photo by Jack Offord
In this rapid-fire show, she transforms herself into myriad animals with not only uncanny accuracy but also impeccable humour, with Jonathan Tilley directing the action and playing the part of Attenborough (or rather, a stand-in) himself.
Occasionally both performers come together, such as with the writhing tentacles of the octopus requiring every limb at their shared disposal, but the majority of the physical work is taken up by Clough-MacRae
It feels just like an Attenborough documentary. From the impressive narration from Tilley to the scene jumps between and back to the animal stars, it could well be a direct reenactment of an actual episode. Even the musical accompaniment and the dramatic pacing match the rhythm of any of the legendary documentarian’s work.
The setup of the show plays to the performers' clowning strengths. Clough-MacRae’s persona is the perfect foil to Tilley’s, and both her vapid expression—barely a shred of intelligence seeming to lurk behind her wide eyes—and his Basil Fawlty-esque exasperation at the derailment of their planned presentation set the mood.
Enough cannot be said of Jess's ability to take on the form of a new animal character at the drop of a hat. It isn't just the big gestures and whole body movement or posture, it's also the micro expressions and subtle lilt of the head. Her rolling eyes bring the spider to life, as do her side to side squints of the hapless crab.
The action moves into Australian animals in a delightful nod to the local audience. Here the pair bring to life the beautiful birdsong of Australia’s vast range of cockatoos and take an extended look into the social habits of the kind and gentle kangaroo.
Attenborough and his Animals is a rambunctious display of superb modern clowning, immediately accessible to audiences of any age, and positively teeming with lively physical comedy.
Tickets available from the FRINGE WORLD website.
GLEN SEABROOK-BENSON