Working as a theatre critic isn't all fun. Sometimes, a set of performance artists may set out to ridicule you and your colleagues. Who knows, if you dis this show, your words might just end up in it the next day, which could either be the kiss of death or a badge of pride.
This urge to attack their attackers is the stated premise behind Wild Bore, presented by an Englishwoman (Ursula Martinez), an Australian (Zoe Coombs Marr) and an American (Adrienne Truscott), each occupying the territory at some point between performance artist and comedian.
Their opening salvo is novel, declaiming extracts from what are apparently genuine reviews and why should we disbelieve words issued authoritatively from their exposed posteriors.
The comments run on a spectrum from amusingly cutting to outright cruel and some are clearly ludicrous, though not necessarily representative of the profession as a whole.
Much of the remainder of the hour comprises further somewhat random beefs about negative attitudes, slowly developing into academic waffle and then more serious feminist and transgender attacks on establishment and societal norms. The material can appear self-indulgent but also makes some powerful political points in extreme fashion.
By the end, any self-respecting critic is likely to be running scared, while open-minded members of the audience are likely to be cackling outrageously.
The performers issue their own health warning about the show’s shock tactics. Heed it if you might be offended by risqué material or merely wildly bored.