Dr AudiYO uses vocal gymnastics to take the audience on a fun adventure. Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are happy to take this prescription.
Kids/Reviews/Theatre
Just what the doctor ordered
29 September 2023
- Reading time • 3 minutesTheatre
More like this
- The A to Zed of reviewers | Vale David Zampatti
- Lifting the weight of the world
- Gentle touch guides lunar landing
Dr AudiYO’s Giant Adventure, Holly Austin
State Theatre Centre of WA, 27 September 2023
Reviewed by Jackson (13) and Chloe (8) Davis
Dr AudiYO’s Giant Adventure functions similarly to a choose-your-own-adventure book, with the twist being that the performance is based purely on sound and miming.
Creator Holly Austin, who is the only actor on stage, plays Dr AudiYO and the giant.
Directed by Dr Miles O’Neil, the play uses sound as the main tool to portray the story, creating an environment that you can picture in your imagination, with the help of a magic fanny pack, and a microphone that can make the actor’s voice high, low and repeat beats. There is no pre-recorded music, with the only sound coming from the actor’s voice.
It is ingenious how the actor uses voice to portray a unique soundscape.
The show also relies on audience interaction, which is where the choose-your-own adventure portion comes in. Audience members are asked to select from different options and are sometimes brought up on stage to perform as a character or choose where the story will be taken next.
This part is also hilarious as the performer doesn’t use any words to instruct those on-stage, so it morphs into a game of charades.
There is no high moral value or lesson to be learned; it is just some solid fun. Dr AudiYO’s Giant Adventure is a light-hearted and enjoyable story that uses sound and audience involvement to further progress in a creative and original experience.
It is also ingenious how the actor uses voice to portray a unique soundscape that those watching can clearly imagine.
The show is extremely funny, with the audience interaction making it interesting and engaging throughout. However, it is probably best for children aged seven and above, as we noticed younger kids not really understanding or visualising what Dr AudiYO was trying to convey.
Dr AudiYO’s Giant Adventure is at State Theatre Centre of WA until 30 September 2023.
Pictured top: Holly Austin does amazing things with her voice in Dr AudiYO’s Giant Adventure. Photo supplied
Like what you're reading? Support Seesaw.
Past Articles
Seadragon weaves magic spell
The Magical Weedy Seadragon enchants junior reviewer Isabel Greentree with a winning blend of story, song and humour.
Lifting the weight of the world
Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are taken on a thoughtful and funny journey to the Moon with one overwhelmed girl.
