What is there to say about Mr. Cardboard that hasn’t already been said? Basically everything, because not nearly enough people have been talking about this phenomenon sweeping the smaller of two yurts outside of the Potterrow Murder Tunnel.
Mr. Cardboard, a show by Levi Meltzer and Miles Calderon, is the story of young Huxley and his imaginary friend, the double-wide Mario brother, Mr. Cardboard. Meltzer and Calderon are not just messing around, they are classically trained, and it pays off big time. It is difficult to act this ridiculous without so much as a knowing wink at the audience; Mr. Cardboard refuses to be self-effacing and emerges a much stronger work than its more ironic peers.
This show is about Huxley and Mr. Cardboard, but it’s also about imagination, and friendship, and maybe Jesus a little. Who’s really to say, that bit may have just been improv. But mostly, it’s about cardboard, and is a testament to the fact that some can find whimsy in anything, and also to the merits of attending clown college.
A truly off-putting show, I was afraid for my life; everyone should go see this. And, if you’re lucky, you might walk away with one or two cardboard souvenirs of friends you’ve fallen out with.
Huxley in particular is technically sharp, incredibly engaging, and draws the audience in in the most eerie way possible. I have never been more scared of a five year old in my life. Both men deserve credit for never breaking character, even when their audience was in tears laughing not two feet in front of them.
In a sea of shows striving for originality, Mr. Cardboard offers some of the best executed strangeness you will see this fringe. What can I say, I’m charmed.
Bringing your most imaginative, least nut-allergic friends, and none of your children. This is an award winning panto show for ADULTS. The sticker’s already on my phone case. See you in Cardboardland
Mr. Cardboard is on every day at 13:30 at Hoots @ Potterow Underpass, until 25 August. Go see it, if you dare. Buy your ticket here
Images by Hudson Hughes provided by Mr. Cardboard for press use.
