“Bonza! Bonza!” the Monkey Baa children cried as they dutifully protected the Kermond families’ musical gong that had been passed down for four generations. Yet what is really being protected and passed down to younger generations at Kermond Comedy Capers is vaudeville. Wayne Scott and Warren Kermond revitalise the genre in a 50-minute long variety act that sees them tap dancing, pulling tricks out of trunks, and showcasing good ol’ slapstick comedy.
Monkey Baa have established themselves at the Darling Quarter Theatre as a haven for new Australian works dedicated to children’s entertainment and Kermond Comedy Capers is another colourful feather in their capable cap.
Wayne Scott Kermond performs in just about every big musical that comes to Australia; up next is Anything Goes, and recent credits include Guys and Dolls, Chicago, The Producers, West Side Story, A Chorus Line and Gypsy. His father Warren has similarly enjoyed a steady showman career, and, at 78 can still tap dance with the best of them! Watching two seasoned performers in such an intimate venue playfully interacting with the young audience is a joy. The fact that they’re a father-and-son pair add to the beauty of it. Talent certainly runs in the Kermond family.
Kermond Comedy Capers runs gag to gag with a through line plot of needing to protect the Kermond family gong from Wayne who can’t be trusted with the responsibility. The show takes vaudeville back to its roots where the jokes are simple and the physical comedy is strong. Kids walk away with a delightful bite-sized taste of variety performance and a pocket full of Minties.
Kermond Comedy Capers
Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Season: 30 September – 4 October 2014
Information: www.monkeybaa.com.au/show/kermonds
Image: Warren Kermond and Wayne Scott Kermond – courtesy of Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Review: Maryann Wright
Maryann Wright is a performer and writer. She has a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Brent Street and a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from The University of Sydney. Recent performance credits include Heart of a Dog (Australian premiere), Carrie (Squabbalogic) and Urinetown (Brent Street). Journalism credits include The Guardian, news.com.au and Girlfriend Magazine. www.maryannwright.com.au