Garry Starr Performs Everything – Southwark Playhouse Borough, London

The Southwark Playhouse Borough sees a one-man theatrical tour de force as Garry Starr performs literally everything. Or almost. Plenty of fun and silliness ensues.

Content warning: contains discussion of nudity and plentiful audience participation

Garry Starr Performs Everything

If ever there were a time to pay attention to content warnings, it is now.  Audiences for Garry Starr Performs Everything should go with eyes wide open.  Maybe not too open, because they will get an eyeful.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Garry Starr (Damien Warren-Smith) has advertised an evening in which he will perform in every theatrical genre, in order to save the performing arts.  Does it have to do with being fired from the RSC?  Doesn’t matter: the premise is slim here because it’s mostly about getting the laughs from scenes from different theatrical genres.  There’s a bit of slapstick.  Some melodrama.  A touch of Pinter for the theatre aficionados.  Contemporary ballet.  I won’t ruin all the reveals, but suffice it to say Garry Starr’s repertoire crosses centuries and continents and boundaries. Genres where he can get his kit off are particularly welcome. One particularly good scene upcycles pop lyrics into Shakespeare.

Starr got his start on the festival circuit circa 2018, and this reads very much like a fringe show. It’s quick (60 minutes), raucous, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.  It is best to go to with a friend or two, and in a mood to have fun.  While there is loads of audience interaction, it’s good natured, and Warren-Smith doesn’t force those who are unwilling.  Plenty of people were up for it on the night I went, so no need to have unwilling volunteers!

Garry Starr Performs Everything relies on Warren-Smith’s comic timing and athleticism.  Even in scenes where the joke is making you look at his bum, there’s a definite level of accomplishment there.  Maybe the RSC will come crawling back, after all?

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 3.5/5

Garry Starr Performs Everything on until 23 December 2023. More info and tickets here.