The Basement is turned 90 degrees and the stage is dimly lit with three lamps dressed in tassels. In the corner of my eye is a figure cloaked in sparkles, standing still. Gold glistens on the floor and I begin to feel fixated on the pattern that dazzles the stage. This is how Jessie McCall and Shani Dickins bring Tassel Me This to the Basement Theatre on a damp Wednesday night in Auckland.

This duo breaks the pace of dancing with theatre, laughter and a lot of tassels and a dash of gold glitter. We, the audience members, find ourselves being the fly on the wall as advice is handed out and a one-sided discussion about holding onto moments that weigh us down is eloquently examined. Their awkward interaction of being polite, listening and handing over items of value to be sealed shut and thrown towards the audience creates a sense of self-examination. We come back to this several times with rewards given of golden sneakers and glitter shots.

This duo is vigorous, playful, cheeky, energetic and just a little bit eccentric when dressed in tassels. Moments of domestication juxtaposed with the struggle to put the right top on keep the audience laughing. At any moment of appropriate application of applause, an illuminated APPLAUSE sign appears. The sound score by James Risbey explores the longevity of applause. It matches the quirkiness of this dynamic and talented duo.

Do not be mistaken by all that is gold as this work does carry an underlying serious theme of the reality of a friendship. Do we give advice where it is not warranted or wanted? Or do we set ourselves up in situations that breed it?

Tassel Me This makes me want more glitter though it goes against everything in my stage management body. If you want an excuse to grab a wine, stay inside and have a good giggle, then you need to see Tassel Me This. 

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