Randy Writes a Novel

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You could spend a good proportion of Randy Writes a Novel squinting round a table trying to work out how exactly the masterful puppetry is done, but trying to deconstruct the act is a thankless task. You're better off losing yourself in the unhinged world of the eponymous Randy Feltface.

To unravel the illusion a little bit, the potty-mouthed purple puppet is voiced and operated (with multitasking precision) by Australian comic Heath McIvor. The act has been an international hit for a while now, and here he makes a triumphant return to the Fringe after four years away. Randy is our host and narrator, ostensibly showcasing his latest literary work. Despite this the title itself is little misleading (disclaimer: there isn't much novel action going on here, or any writing thereof), but it succeeds as a device for introducing the procrastinating nature of the character.

Words on a page really don't do justice the kineticism of what's on stage. It's a visceral treat and testament to the range of contortions a skilled puppeteer can extract from a simple doll. It's not just the movements that are funny though, given that Randy consistently comes out with material far better than most of his human peers. 

There's even a surprising depth to the show, as it segues into an introspective piece on how the legacy of great art can supercede the vices of its creator (with extended recourse to Erenest Hemingway). It's populist without being pandering, and surely the funniest purple puppet show you can see this Fringe.