Having recently returned from a knockout tour in Europe, Shep Huntly, Pat Bath and Gordo Gamsby are at the top of their game, even if that game does involve dancing on mousetraps. Like the crew of Jackass, each member of the trio has an exceptionally high pain threshold and revels in performing gross-out stunts. But the similarities stop there – The Dirty Brothers are skilled in mime and execute a cleverly constructed piece of sideshow theatre.
It’s got to be getting more difficult to shock audiences these days, which may be why The Dark Party focuses less on shock factor and more on delivery. You’re more likely to be surprised at the originality of the acts than the level of risk involved (though this is still considerably high). No words are spoken but their facial expressions movement say it all, achieving a perfect balance of comedy/tragedy. They’re a bit like sad clowns, but with mohawks.
Some acts will make you wince – like lifting a car battery with chains and nipples – and some will make you squirm in disgust – like drinking an entire bottle of Listerine. It’s the type of show that might make a 50-something year-old lady’s mouth gape wide open with her hands on her cheeks in disbelief (this actually happened).
Don’t expect death-defying stunts, rather, a spectacular delivery of imaginative acts that are horrifying and revolting, yet somehow enjoyable and incredibly funny. Sadistic and silent for its entirety, this show is a guaranteed winner for those that can stomach it.
