The Giant Space Monster That Ate Hamilton In 3-D

Reviewed by Ryan McGreal

The vibe is camptastic in The Giant Space Monster That Ate Hamilton In 3-D, an uproariously schlocky homage to classic low-budget creature features. 

This “human puppet show” has it all: a disintegrating proscenium, cheesy props, ragtag costumes, rough transitions, zany sound effects, pulpy 3-D visuals - and some of the most consistently hilarious dialogue, scenery chewing and physical comedy I’ve seen at Fringe.

The two-man wrecking crew of Larry Smith and Kristian Reimer channel SCTV at its zaniest, switching haphazardly between over-the-top characters who exemplify the archetypes of monster movies: the grizzled harbour police captain who harbours his own secrets, the bespectacled scientist who wants to believe in aliens, the schmoozing politician who won’t let facts derail his ambitions, the razzle-dazzle rock radio deejay with the eye-rolling moniker.

Behind the so-bad-it’s-good aesthetic lies incredible attention to detail, a nuanced and cheeky understanding of local history, and a deep appreciation of the unique culture of postwar paranoia which produced the iconic B-movie monsters that defined an era.

The flamboyant performances and chaotic transitions are anchored by a surprisingly rhythmic, coherent and gut-bustlingly funny script, rich with clever setups, big payoffs, witty callbacks and surprising punch-ups. Smith and Reimer are experienced comedians and it shows, not only in the quality of their dialogue but also their quick-witted reactions when things invariably go awry in their Rube Goldberg machine of a puppet show - a delightfully convoluted spectacle hanging together by sheer will. 

If you love irreverent screwball retro sci-fi comedy with heart, this show is an absolute must-see.

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Event Details

Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Genre: Theatre—Comedy, Puppetry

Run Time: 55 mins

Creators

Larry Smith & Kristian Reimer

Warnings

Other

May contain -Ping-pong balls