Creator: Alexander Richmond
The story of a boy raised by snakes is perfect fringe material. Alexander Richmond’s The Marvellous Snake Boy incorporates clowning, comedy and audience participation resulting in a funny show, the gentleness of which is far from feral.
Slithering on the floor of the Camden Comedy Club, Richmond is immediately a charming performer and it’s in these early moments where his clowning skills are at their best. Not fully able to use his legs to stand and having yet to learn language, Richmond’s Snake Boy is wobbly and silent. At first, it’s unclear what the audience should do, but slowly with the help of a few telling looks, Richmond picks out those in the audience who will help him reach an understanding of what it means to be human.
Following a loose structure, which should in all honesty be a little tighter, Snake Boy learns how to use his limbs, how to speak and how to love. A lot surely depends on the amount the audience is prepared to get involved. But as Richmond is such a kind performer, it’s difficult not to want to be selected to join him for a few minutes on stage. His snake pit is very welcoming and safe.
There’s a delightful ramshackle aesthetic to the set and props, but the PowerPoint presentation is an unnecessary addition although its low-tech appearance complements the rest of the show. Richmond ignores most of the PowerPoint anyway and instead continues to engage the audience, who on the first night, is keen to be a part of Snake Boy’s education.
The Marvellous Snake Boy was a hit a few years ago at the Adelaide Fringe, but there are a few times when Richmond seems a little unsure of himself. The show runs for 60 minutes but it’s disconcerting to see him checking his watch, especially as this brings him out of character as the audience has not yet shown Snake Boy how to tell the time. But Richmond has such a likeable presence on stage that it’s easy to forgive these disruptions.
With the future of the VAULT Festival still uncertain, this year’s Camden Fringe feel more important than ever as an event that champions new writing and young creatives. Packed with plays, comedies and stand-up there’s something for everyone. And the offbeat Snake Boy fits in perfectly.
Runs until 1 August 2023
Camden Fringe runs until 27 August 2023
