Writer: Stuart Bowden
Music: Stuart Bowden
Australian theatre maker Stuart Bowden is tackling the big questions this Fringe: what are we meant to do with our lives? How did life start in the first place? And what do we do when someone we love dies? His modest solo musical meditation, Of Moonset and the Milky Way, is an intelligently observed piece which answers them all with silliness and heart.
Bowden’s narrative is well conceived; the threads of his songs weave together nicely without feeling predictable or contrived, and they are consistently playful. He becomes a tiny microbe, a googly-eyed shell, and a man grieving his partner, which allows him to guide us gently through life, death, and the time in between.
The real highlight of this show, though, is Bowden’s eccentric brand of humour. It has the scent of the kind of in-joke language that develops between people who love each other, and it’s a joy to be included in. It’s childish in the best, most nostalgic way, and the fuzziness lingers even as Bowden tackles darker themes. There is some hilarious dancing, too; it’s clear that the show is written from a place of great comedic instinct.
Whilst it is emotionally effective, the show feels underdeveloped. It has a slow start, during which Bowden potters around and admits that he thinks that it is “not his best work”. Although it’s nice that he gives us this authenticity, which builds an important rapport in the intimate space – “be good and I’ll be good too”, he tells us – it is a low-energy run-up that the show has to fight to take off from. The performance loses momentum towards the end, too. We get stuck in sadness, which is the point, but it doesn’t feel as satisfying as the earlier stages of the story.
Ultimately, the show is underselling Bowden’s comedic and musical talents – he has long been a Fringe favourite, for good reason – but it is a relaxing and rewarding watch. As we leave the Assembly Roxy venue, a huge sign in the courtyard invites us to “think about someone you love”, which is what Bowden has allowed us to do with a rare clarity.
Runs until 27 August 2023 | Image: Contributed
The Reviews Hub Score
Silliness and heart
