In the Dome at BATS Theatre, we are welcomed to an episode taping of That 90s Sitcom – created and directed by Malcolm Morrison. The audience is asked to give an example of something that could have changed in an apartment complex: an elevator has been installed. We are also asked to supply a catchphrase for the show: “Who ate my beans?”

The show then begins with characteristic, cheesy, 90s title credits that introduce the audience to performers: Emma Brittenden, Liz Talbot and Diane Pulham and their characters. What follows is a typical sitcom storyline complete with exaggerated characters.

The story revolves around three flatmates having to find the money to pay for their rent increase after their apartment building installs an elevator. A ‘typical’ rich girl, is trying to start another business venture (as she does every week) before her father visits. A more serious and logical girl is trying to keep everyone together and listen to her self-help tapes, and somehow finishes the episode in hijinks with a boyfriend. Finally, a girl named Courtney is … not smart. What she lacks in intelligence, she makes up for in sheer empathy. In the end, the girls use Courtney’s brilliant agricultural innovational ideas to found Fonterra.

That 90s Sitcom is nostalgic and full of all the clichés that make sitcoms fun. However, the audience suggestions are only used once and although seeing a storyline develop on the spot is fun to watch, it may have been nice to incorporate more audience engagement into the show. Furthermore, making the audience an in-studio audience for the taping of the show does create more connection with the audience in a fun way.

Brittenden, Talbot and Pulham are adaptable, and bounce off each other’s energies seamlessly. The moments where the actors pause and look at the audience, waiting for laughter, are truly hilarious. Pulham’s Courtney is a particularly memorable standout. Pulham manages to clearly portray a stereotypical ‘dumb’ character with such charm, that is the cherry on top of an exciting show.

That 90s Sitcom is an easy-going, fun and nostalgic experience that everyone will enjoy.

The Ex-Husbands of Wilhelmina Williams is ‘in development’. It revolves around Wilhelmina Williams (Maria Williams), a famous musician returning to Aotearoa’s shores for the first time in four decades. The audience is asked to supply men’s names and occupations, as well as words we associate with different decades or musical genres. These suggestions supply the content of the hit songs Wilhelmina sings.

This show extremely engaging. The constant audience engagement keeps us invested in the show and the way an audience member ends up playing a part in Wilhelmina’s past is brilliant. The fact that all the songs are improvised is very impressive. Although Williams is being silly, she can clearly sing well. Her adaptability as well as the skill of the accompanying musician, make every song truly a hit.

However, a new procedure may be necessary for cleaner costume changes. It might also be a good idea to enlist another helper to assist with setting up the show and writing down audience suggestions in order to tighten up transitions. Despite this, creator/performer Maria Williams has clearly struck gold with Wilhelmina Williams.

That 90s Show and The Ex-Husbands of Wilhelmina Williams are perfect shows to combine. Both frame the audience as an in-studio audience watching a television episode taping and the shows bounce off each other’s energy, creating a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  

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