For years, Weeping Spoon Productions has been a staple of fringe festivals across the globe. Their latest offering, Perish With Great Difficulty, a collaboration with the notable purveyors of Jane Austen improv Sense and Spontaneity, is a sure-fire FRINGE WORLD essential, presented as part of State of Play at the State Theatre Centre of WA from January 17-25.
My own folly, but I have never seen the Christmas action film Die Hard and cannot speak to what I am sure are a flurry of clever yet hilarious references to the Bruce Willis hit peppered throughout this play. I have, however, experienced the undeniably Christmas-themed romp Perish with Great Difficulty – a regency-era story featuring many of the same characters and plot points. Perish tells the story of retired navy captain John McClane who succeeds in overcoming a siege of German radicals who have infiltrated Nakatomi Manor. A barefoot and messenger pigeon-clad McClane manages to save the reputations of the ladies of the manor and win the hand of his estranged fiancé Holly Gennaro.
Perish is a charming three-hander, expertly silly and bursting with energy. Jessica Messenger’s creative vision shines through her tight script, sharp direction, and impressive characterisations. She produces a punchy fringe production that ought to be a staple in anyone’s opening weekend of the festival. Rounding out the cast is Esther Longhurst as McClane, and Amanda Jean as Holly Gennaro (as well as Karl and his many, many brothers). These names alone ensure any audience of safe hands to guide them through a night of raucous comedy; but together, united by the power of funny hats and outrageous accents, they form a powerful ensemble of highly skilled professional clowns.
If you are a fan of Die Hard, or have even seen the film once, you are guaranteed to get a thrill out of this tightly buttoned-up adaptation. However, if, like me, you’ve only been audience to the likes of Pride and Prejudice or Bridgerton, some of the more specific references might go over your head. But I ensure you, the story is not so mawkish that any bluestocking patron may find it unenjoyable.
Perish With Great Difficulty is a showcase of skill and exemplifies the kind of rare gem only offered at FRINGE WORLD.
MITCHELL WHELAN
Perish With Great Difficulty runs from 17 – 25 Jan 2025 at the State Theatre Centre of WA as part of State of Play and FRINGE WORLD. For tickets and more information, click here.
