It All Sparks Joy is an affecting dark comedy about one man’s attempt to address his cluttered life. Lead by an usher with sign aloft, we’re lead into one of the smaller rooms in the Trades Hall.
Dylan Cole, dishevelled and dressing gown-clad, is trapped by a mess microcosm of furniture, books, clothes and other sundry items (including a phone that rings if he can manage to locate it). But he’s not alone, particularly as he’s armed with any number of reassurances and tidying tips from the books in front of him, including Marie Kondo.
The room only seats a handful of people and despite his character’s troubled path into this midden, Dylan is a charismatic host. There’s sentiment, and its fascinating to see him begin to step out of the denial of his situation only to retreat when we least expect. It’s lovely work.
The writing is good, there’s only slivers of how he got trapped by this mess, but its enough. You realise later that the final moments of the piece – not pessimistic, but still surprisingly downbeat – was the only way it could credibly end.
It all sparks joy
Fringe Hub: Trades Hall, Corner Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton
Performance: Saturday 14 September 2019 – 7.00pm
Season continues to 29 September 2019
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: Dylan Cole (supplied)
Review: David Collins