Applespiel Review

Sydney-based collective Applespiel bring the mockumentary to The Coopers Malthouse’s Tower Theatre stage in Applespiel Make A Band And Take On The Recording Industry. The work combines live film and action to narrate the journey of an eight-piece super-group called Applespiel. While there’s some lag between the live audio and broadcasted visual, the execution on the whole is slick, with the movements of the performers absorbing. The use of hand-held props to create onscreen images and the opportunity for the audience to observe how the images are created is an excellent element of the show. The original music is simultaneously amusing and nostalgic, with each song a parody of indie music genres of the mid- to late noughties.

The work falls down slightly with the subtle hints that the work is contrived. This is joltingly confirmed when Simon Binns delivers a sarcastic “meta” monologue essentially explaining the punchline of the work. This is unnecessary and Applespiel should have been more trusting of the merits of their idea and their audience. Nevertheless, the conclusion is uplifting and the credits are a lovely touch. While the show has its faults, it’s engaging and doesn’t fail to entertain. 

3.5 Stars

The Coopers Malthouse to 13 Sep