LIKE one of the lines from the film noir narration that crackles through the gaffer-taped speakers in Empyrean, a struggling private investigator — our central character — is an extra in a show about his own life.

Set in a big American city, the dedicated cast of this Adelaide production come on and off the stage as fast as our P.I jots down his thoughts on his trusty, tatty old note book.

However, this show is no open and shut case for our P.I. — Adelaide’s unpredictable weather, some stubborn stage rigging and costume malfunctions try their best to break his and his supporting cast’s spirit.

But as they say in the classics: “The show must go on”.

Our detective watches on as elements of film noir, cabaret, burlesque, juggling, hooping, body contortion and fire twirling transport the audience from quaint speak easy bars in New York City to what resembles a back alley shoot-out in The Bronx.

Despite the production sequences and sound effects being a bit rough around the edges, much like our main character’s trench coat and fedora, all in all this Adelaide troupe gives the audience variety, some laughs and caps off a good night in the city’s East End.

Empyrean at Gluttony until March 5

Link to Original Review in The Advertiser. 

Duane Schultz