Performed by sketch comedy group Cheap and Perfect, Cheap and Perfect Does Another One (locally made with some imported ingredients) takes place at the Fringe Bar. Its five participants, all women, comprise the crew of the Between Islander. They sing us a welcome and warn us of audience auditions to take place below deck. Is that above board?  

The show consists of a series of short sketches. They are varied in subject matter and offer light social commentary on such situations as an entrance interview for Up Ourselves School, a detectives’ search for a honeymoon couple missing in Mexico, an argument about writing a script for a science fiction play and a therapy group in which one participant confesses to stepping into shit – and liking it.

My favourite is decidedly the scene set in a Wellington City Council public toilet. Actually, it’s an AI (Artificial Intelligence) 2020 toilet – and you get a whole lot more than you bargained when you’re on the toilet bowl!

The performance is characterised by originality of material, energy and the palpable enjoyment of the players. Audibility is somewhat compromised by two things – over rapid delivery especially of some key lines and the occasional crashing shut of the Fringe Bar’s door.

That said, the Fringe Bar with its laid back ambience is an ideal venue for this show. Its players end by offering us a Cheap and Perfect Corporate package – and if given the choice I’ll take that sooner than a below deck audition!

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