Adelaide Fringe today is synonymous with glitz, glamour and grandiose shows with superhuman casts. This context is precisely why The Routine, as a one-person show with zero dialogue, is such a refreshing production. While simple done well is clever, simple done incredibly well is a masterpiece. Joylyn Secunda delivers an utter masterclass in physical theatre across a seamless hour of character work, clowning and mime.

The Routine takes audiences on a mind-bending construction and deconstruction of a lonely office worker’s daily life. In the first part of the performance, Secunda expertly uses their physicality to lead the audience through familiar vignettes such as personal grooming, stressful commutes and office politics. They flip effortlessly from character to character, twirling in and out of scenes with a sense of highly controlled chaos. When you are watching Secunda, it is easy to forget that you are watching just one person who has created an entire world without props, dialogue or set dressing.

The delight of this performance very much arises from its unexpected directions, and I am loathe to spoil this for future audiences. However, Secunda truly demonstrates the range and breadth of their talent once their lonely office worker falls through the looking glass. Backed by an expertly curated soundtrack and evocative lighting cues, Secunda grabs the audience by the hand and leads them, skipping and jumping, into a new and somewhat dangerous world.

Audience interaction often makes or breaks a performance. It is also the cornerstone of a truly memorable show. Theatre is not television, after all, and part of the fun is connecting with your performers. I found Secunda’s approach to audience interaction lively, whimsical and highly memorable. At several points, Secunda’s eyes connected with mine, and they proceeded to weave me and my reactions into the tapestry of The Routine. Finding myself out of my seat and kneeling onstage at one point, I grinned and thought ‘yes, this is what performance is all about!’.

At a time where the most commercially viable Fringe shows are those that pack special effects and quadruple threats into circus tents, I encourage you to broaden your horizons and take a chance on The Routine. It’s a show that exemplifies the inventiveness and creativity of physical theatre. An entire hero’s journey is communicated through artful facial expressions and controlled contortions, and perfectly understood without the uttering of a single word.

Five stars

Sat 21 Feb – Sun 15 March
Studio Theatre at Goodwood Theatre and Studios
PG
Tickets available here

Reviewed by Phoebe M.