An evening with Defoe – The Plague | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Slightly nuts – but never boring – this production is an entertaining evening with Robinson Crusoe writer Daniel Defoe.

An Evening With Defoe.

An evening with Defoe – The Plague

Theatre and Physical Theatre

Rating: ***1/2

The Garage International at Adelaide Town Hall

Until March 12

You’ll be no Robinson Crusoe if you struggle to fully comprehend this entertaining but indulgent new production on the times of celebrated writer Daniel Defoe.

We are in London in 1722 for a book launch; or are we at the Great Plague of 1665 or even in modern-day Melbourne?

Most likely we’re at the Adelaide Town Hall for the Fringe desperately trying to work out what is going on.

Phil Roberts, battling his moulting wig as it furiously sheds fake hair, plays Defoe (Foe) and Shannon Woollard, with no facial hair concerns, plays his irritating, interjecting, interviewing sidekick, Friend.

Evidently enjoying themselves, the duo played for a full hour. Despite several flashes of bravura acting and intelligent writing, there may come a moment when you fear they’ll play for a second or even a third hour.

Conceived by Melbourne company RAPt, co-founded by Roberts, this lively, intriguing production is slightly nuts – but never boring.