Have you been up late at night, switched the TV on to the Discovery channel and discovered a documentary about hunting bigfoot or how aliens built the pyramids? Well, Guy Gunn: Beast Basher is that, but dialled to 11. This play – written and directed by Mitchell Botting and created in collaboration with David Bowers-Mason – perfectly encapsulates the wild and mad side of the New Zealand Fringe Festival.

But before we dive into this off-the-walls show, I should warn it is best seen knowing very little about it, going in. It will take you by surprise and enthral you in its craziness. So if you’d rather not know more for the moment, I will leave you with this: Guy Gunn: Beast Basher is an over-the-top, manic show that is densely packed with jokes and will grab hold of you and not let go!

Right, last chance to turn away before we delve into the nitty-gritty of the world of Guy Gunn and his cryptids.

Great, now that we’re all alone … There is a buzz in the air of the Gryphon Theatre foyer until the doors to theatre open and we are hit with a wall of hazer fog and the thrum of heavy metal music. Immediately we know this is going to be a hard, intense, gripping show, and oh it is.

Guy Gunn (played by Kevin Orlando) and Guy’s assistant (Sean Dugdale-Martin) shuffle onto stage, the spotlight hits, and boom, Guy’s USA-accented voice greets us to his show, the only way a US voice can: full of sound and fury. Guy and his assistant skilfully play off each other, exploiting their adventures and revealing how they found out about the meeting of the monsters! After raucous applause from the audience, we are taken into the meeting of the monsters where the story truly begins!

Mitchel Botting’s script is, as previously stated, densely packed with jokes and gags. Every second line feels like a punchline. At first, this feels overwhelming and full on, but you soon settle into this fast-paced simmering rhythm. Botting’s comedic styling is over-the-top, silly and clever – littered with what I would say are stupid jokes written by a clever person (think The Simpsons, or Futurama). Such jokes are right up my alley and are clearly appreciated by the audience.

While the story feels a little simple and predictable, that doesn’t necessarily detract from the show. The characters have room to breathe. Each monster and human you meet has the space to go nuts and revel in the comedy of their character’s being. There is ample room for each character to bring something new and funny to the table, and thanks to the actors, they all do.

Speaking of actors, the ensemble cast – is Sam Irwin, Ruby Kemp, Kevin Orlando, Mandy Watkins – is fantastic. Each actor embodies their character splendidly. They all bring their unique charm to this show and blend together splendidly – none quite as amazingly as Kevin Orlando’s Guy Gunn and David Bowers-Mason’s Frankie. They bounce off each other swiftly and incredibly, developing a chemistry that has you rooting for their friendship. Kevin and David bring out the best in each other and nurture a comedic bond that has the audience in fits of laughter at every glance, reaction, monologue and more.

And Kevin, oh Kevin, so perfectly embodies this hyper-masculine bull-headed monster hunter from the US of A. His heightened facial expressions alone easily make Guy Gunn my favourite in the show. Kevin brings the energy to this character and freely gives it to his other actors. it is so important for actor in the main role to have the oomph to carry the show and the ensemble, and Kevin does this with ease. He brings a flame to his character that burns bright throughout the highs and lows of Guy Gunn.

As Guy’s Assistant, Sean Dugdale-Martin’s comedic timing is golden, and his Jeff Goldblum-esque acting near the end of the play has me and the rest of the audience laughing hysterically.

Of course, there are other elements that help tie the show together: the set, costume, lighting/sound and projection. The set is very simple, just two tables and a handful of chairs. The costumes are low-key – with one exception. The lighting (by Madyson King) is smartly used and never too flashy/extravagant. These all drive the focus onto the characters and comedy, which is needed with the jokes and punchlines being as fast and aggressive as they are.

The one costume that is expertly crafted, stunning and incredible fun is worn by the character of Ryan, and created by Jodi Walker. I can’t say more without spoiling the surprise.

And then there is the projection. Perhaps one of the best parts of the show, it is expertly used, complementing the action with visual gags and live footage. This helps create that documentary feel and pushes us into feeling like we are watching an episode of Guy Gunn’s monster hunting show.

Guy Gunn: Beast Basher is a crazy insane show, a joy from start to finish, absolute high-octane, pedal to the metal, monstrous fun! It is a hilarious, hard and fast ride for anyone looking for the perfect extreme New Zealand Fringe Festival show. If that sounds like you, get on down to Gryphon Theatre tonight or tomorrow and experience Guy and the monsters yourself.

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