one4review | On 01, Aug 2025

Monsterrrr! with Trygve Wakenshaw combines mime, physical comedy, childlike chaos, and occasional tenderness, but it is never long before a fart joke or audience participation elicits giggles that are infectious.

Wakenshaw is best known for his award-winning physical theatre work, having trained under Philippe Gaulier. He employs a mix of mime and clowning, embracing a delightful idiocy that knows no bounds if it elicits laughter from children. In ‘Monsterrrr!’, he portrays the central character, the Monster, an irreverent and somewhat wild figure who is ultimately just somewhat lonely. The Monster kicks Bambi into next week, finds himself trapped in a mime prison, greets the audience with silly fart names, and consistently invites the children to join in the fun and chaos. The hour passes quickly, whether the children are playing games, roaring along, or pleading with him to “Stop!” At halftime, the little ones are treated to popcorn; what’s not to love?

The costume only amplifies how cartoonish the whole feel of ‘Monsterrrr!’ is, and the physical comedy here is superb. As someone who’s seen various Wakenshaw shows over the years, this age range is ideal for his mix of delicate ballet and chaotic outbursts that are so over the top and yet so rich with comedy timing; he’s Fringe royalty for good reason. Wakenshaw is clearly a father, and it shows by how every parent has played this exact game of being the household monster that is either chasing the kids around or being jumped on while doing the infamous growl.

If you have young people in your life, this is one of the must-see Fringe shows. This chaotic hour of giggles and roars will help everyone realise that being a little bit monstrous is not such a bad thing after all.

*****
Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly Gardens – Piccolo
12.00 (1hr)
Until 17 Aug (not 6 or 11)