DYKE Systems Ltd follows two women as they strive to reach the highest band of employment in their company, Dynamic, Young, Knowledgeable Entrepreneurs, which they must do by signing up more people to their company. Think girlboss, capitalist feminism, and deeply repressed sexuality, within a triangular “trickle-down technology” (definitely not a pyramid scheme). The result is a fantastically fun hour.
The company is mysterious, the product seemingly non-existent, yet Sally and Susan believe it is the key to their future riches. We join them as they deliver a seminar on how to become a DYKE, just as the company begins to unravel.
Kheski Kobler and Holly Wilson-Guy make up the company Fag Packet – creators, writers, and stars of DYKE Systems Ltd. Their confidence in their craft is clear, resulting in a dynamic, comedic performance that kept the audience laughing and deeply engaged throughout.
It is a hilarious piece of theatre: ridiculous, camp, and colourful. Musical numbers written by Kobler and Wilson-Guy are witty and catchy, accompanied by wacky, yet brilliantly executed, choreography.
The bright, bold costumes, loud drag make-up, and sparkling hot pink set frame the show in a delightfully playful world.
Aside from the title, queer subtext is laced throughout, with comical sexual tension between the characters, double entendres aplenty, and even a moment when the audience learns the DYKE handshake (go see for yourself to learn it). It is heart-warming, loud, and unapologetic.
Both actors are impeccable from the outset, with incredible comedic timing and complete commitment to the cartoonish characters they play. Kobler’s hyper-feminine performance of Susan works cleverly as a satirical interpretation of the career-focused feminist, and her devotion to selling the product (which is completely real and will change your life) is nothing short of impressive. Wilson-Guy is equally brilliant as Sally, the completely adoring sidekick of Susan, who fits her butch self awkwardly into the businesswear and glitter of Susan’s world.
The commitment of both actors to their roles is unwavering; their complete physical and vocal immersion keeps the whole audience engrossed in the campy corporate world they create.
DYKE Systems Ltd is bonkers in the best possible way. It is flamboyant, silly, and a genius hybrid of cabaret and theatre. An afternoon spent with these DYKEs is well worth it.
DYKE Systems Ltd is running until 25 August at Cellar at Pleasance Courtyard.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Corinne Cumming, provided to The Student as press material.