Peter and Bambi Heaven: The Magic Inside (SCF)

28 April 2017 | 1:46 pm | Maxim Boon

"Simultaneously a ridiculous parody that feels entirely believable."

Dynamic duo Peter and Bambi Heaven — one, a master delusionist, the other, a former Miss Cage Dance Australia-winner — may not have much of a magic act, but they do manage to cast a remarkable spell nonetheless. This pair of gloriously tragic, spandex clad, sequined encrusted '80s throwbacks make their audience fall head over heels with them, despite their disastrous attempts to replicate the spectacle and glamour of Siegfried & Roy or David Copperfield.

Hailing from the Gold Coast, the loved-up stage couple (alter egos of Asher Treleaven and Gypsy Wood) claim to have a "triple threat" show to offer: dancing, magic... and more dancing. This description is selling them a bit short, however. There's also mime (pronounced by airhead Bambi in her best-worst French accent as "meem"), fruit-n-veg-themed knife stunts, ear-splitting karaoke, and a thoroughly indecent amount of impromptu boob flashing.

Much of this act is a classic slapstick and clowning routine, but it's not just their ham-fisted tricks that make The Magic Inside so thoroughly entertaining. With their huge, backcombed hair, desperate enthusiasm, and indestructible show-must-go-on moxie, Peter and Bambi are simultaneously a ridiculous parody that feels entirely believable. They channel every dodgy cruise ship production or low-rent resort holiday entertainment we've ever endured, except now we have permission to laugh openly, rather than stifling our embarrassed giggles.

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Both of these characters are so incisively conjured, every word they utter is a hoot. But the biggest jokes of the night are the oldest in the book. With a series of shamelessly crass yet deceptively sophisticated sight gags (I won't spoil the surprise), Peter and Bambi bring the house down while apparently clueless to their increasingly outrageous gaffes. Be warned, this is a show that should only be braved by those with a penchant for toilet humour - preferably with a strong stomach - but if you're in search of silliness, shocks, and partial nudity, The Magic Inside is the evening out you've been looking for.

Peter and Bambi Heaven present The Magic Inside, till 7 May at the Factory Theatre, part of the Sydney Comedy Festival.