Delivery #16

Interactive shows have grown exponentially at the Fringe over the years. This latest example from New Zealand theatre maker, John Burrows, is nicely conceived, but sorely lacking in surprise.

On gathering at Theatre Arts Exchange my two companions and I meet "James" and are given two packages. We’re told we must deliver them to Jenny, whose fiancé John is back in New Zealand and wants to surprise her for their anniversary. He will text us instructions as we go.

So we set out to find her, starting at a cafe and ending up a long way from where we started out. The walk is a pleasant one, the company fortuitously charming, but as the journey unfolds we’re increasingly left scratching our heads. 

The idea of random acts of kindness, and involving audience members in their delivery, is a good one. It resonates at a time when a fear of strangers is sadly prevalent. In fact, the major benefit of this journey is the chance to get to know your fellow travellers (hello, Douglas and Stefan!). But the execution is far too simplistic. And any suspension of disbelief is immediately blown at the start when we’re given a UK number to text John in New Zealand, and told if we call it, we’ll get James at the venue. Oh, okay then. 

As a way to stretch your legs you could do worse. But I’d save your money and take a scenic stroll instead. You could always indulge in a genuine random act of kindness along the way.