Dublin Fringe Festival: Swim, Gym, Party // Review Meaning Lost in Myth

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Too many cooks spoil the broth.  A similar law may apply to the stage: too many ‘creatives’ ruin the show. Gym, Swim, Party, brought to life by a trio of co-directors Louise Lowe, Megan Kennedy, Eddie Kay and ‘creators’ Danielle Galligan and Gavin Kostick proves the point. Mixing contemporary Dublin with ancient mythology, the plot saw two rival gym-owning families go head to head in a workout contest to ‘gain control of the city’, before the final dissolution of one faction owing to a flighty switch in affection. Impressive displays of physical prowess, spright choreography and spectacular light shows were as undeniable as they were lengthy while the show’s slick set by Maree Kearns was in stark opposition to the confusion of most of the tale. Performances by actors were convincing on an individual basis, but too many large personalities disconnected the cast like a family made up of egomaniacal influencers – perhaps a stage has space for one Kardashian, not a clan of them. The sense of missed opportunity rang even louder than the show’s melodrama. What interesting things could have been said about Dublin right now through the themes that the show took on: physical obsession, love, beauty, mental health, aging and possession! Instead, the show’s unmet ambition reminded audiences that simplicity is far more compelling than vague spectacle.

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