Act React end 2020 with a new look
Brisbane-based pop-culture performance group, Act React are rounding out 2020 with a fresh new look and some fresh new shows.
With a view to the future, the group has unveiled their new logo and revealed dates for a night of comedy. On Friday, 11 December, the company will perform two shows – the Christmas-appropriate fan favourite ‘Love/Hate Actually’, and the riotous improvised courtroom comedy, ‘This Is Your Trial’.
Act React Creative Producer, Natalie Bochenski, commented on the positive outcomes after a tumultuous year caused by the pandemic.
“Like so many others in the arts community and beyond, COVID-19 devastated our plans for 2020,” Bochenski said.
“It was frustrating to not be able to create work, but it did give us time to dive into a makeover for the company.”
Speaking about the new logo, Bochenski said it reflects the attitudes and purpose of the company well.
“The company was named for the action/reaction relationship we want to have with our audiences because engaging and delighting them and being lifted by their interactions with us is at the core of what we do,” Bochenski said.
“The arrows represent that back and forth, and the bright colours and comic-book styling is a nod to our love of pop culture.”
For their upcoming shows, Act React has partnered with EC Venue in McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley. It’s been two years since Natalie and fellow writer/performer Amy Currie performed the cult hit ‘Love/Hate Actually’ in Brisbane. The two woman comedy showdown pits the pair against each other to decide whether 2003 film ‘Love Actually’ is the ultimate rom-com (Amy’s view) or ultimately terrible (Natalie’s view).
“This is the show we took to Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, and it really is a joy to perform,” Currie said.
“It’s the perfect warm and funny show for the festive season, just the tonic after a tough 2020.”
Following ‘Love/Hate Actually’, things will get even looser with the raucous comedy courtroom show, ‘This Is Your Trial’. This production features top improvisers – Luke Rimmelzwaan, Wade Robinson and Brittany White – playing the judge, prosecutor and defence counsel; with the audience able to accuse their friends or relatives of petty crimes, and be put on the stand. The audience then acts as the jury.
“’This Is Your Trial’ will have you in stitches, as our ‘lawyers’ prosecute and defend anything from not washing the dishes to over-binging on Netflix, or hoarding too much toilet paper,” Bochenski said.
“If you love legal dramas, and comedy, this is the perfect mix for you.”
Bochenski said the new look and shows are the perfect way to end 2020. In time for Christmas, it’s some festive fun before the new year.
“This double-header is a great sample of what Act React, both with scripted and unscripted shows,” Bochenski said.
“It’s a great pre-Christmas night out, and for us, a way of ending 2020 on a more positive note. EC Venue is a fantastic space with a bar and close to public transport, so we hope revellers will come and celebrate with us.”
Both ‘Love/Hate Actually’ and ‘This Is Your Trial’ run for an hour and perform on Friday, 11 December 2020. For show information and to book tickets, visit Act React’s website.
