The BATS mainstage is set with a simple black chair and plenty of haze for this performance of Fatal Fame, a solo show produced by Dripping Bottle Theatre starring Zoe Snowdon, directed and operated by Lincoln Swinerd. The show opens with a fuzzy recording of a news reporter, cautioning residents to keep vigilant and lock their doors against the serial killer who has been rampaging through Wellington – and remains at large. 
In stark contrast to the dire warning, our protagonist Annie strolls onto stage, with a cheery “Hello!” and a bit of crowd work. Annie launches into her story, told through moments of narration, role play, and clever use of the minimal set. The comedic elements within the character’s personality sit in stark contrast to the horrific events she describes (and often acts out), leaving the audience tittering nervously – it becomes clearer and clearer as the story progresses that the character, seemingly a normal member of society, has been barely masking the rage and anger inside her that leads to her murderous rampage through the suburbs of Wellington. 

The jokes come thick and fast, and, although the scripted jokes don’t always land, it’s clear Snowdon has a quick wit and strong comedic talent. Her physicality on stage is impressive, and I feel that more of the clown elements evident in Snowdon’s performance could have been highlighted better – a personal favourite moment of mine was Snowdon’s excellent doggy door mime. 

The production value is somewhat lacking in this performance, and I wonder why – the minimal set and costume made the story the main thing to focus on, but I think a bit more attention to detail through various parts of the script and production could have added a lot more depth and nuance to the story. 

Overall the performance is slick, and takes the audience on a comedic journey through the mind of a loner turned successful murderer, with plenty of chuckles and a few poignant moments along the way. 

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