UWA Pantomime Society's Sex Toy Story is a smutty, silly, crude, unsubtle satire of a movie much loved by children and many adults. It is also outrageously funny from beginning to end.
The plot is surprisingly close to that of the original film, albeit with some twists and numerous kinks. Uni student Andy (Tristan Peers) is a compulsive masturbator whose sex toy chest includes inflatable Little Ho Peep (Lisa Williams), beaded Slinky (Shakara Liddelow-Hunt), and others better left unnamed, but his favourite is Woody (Davis Anderson). His room-mate storms out after catching him in the act, leaving Andy to pay double the usual rent. Andy decides to console himself by buying a new toy, Buzz (Max Leunig), who refuses to believe he's a sex toy, insisting that he's a "personal massager". A jealous Woody pushes Buzz out of the dorm window, and both soon fall into the hands of evil Sidonmyface69 (Liam McKay, who also produced the show), necessitating a rescue by the other toys.
The acting is pure panto, and I am slightly disappointed that no-one shouted "He's behind you!" during any of the sex scenes, but that's probably because (a) I didn't think of it until much too late, and (b) we were all too busy laughing. If you're easily offended, the play may not be for you, but if you go anyway, this is one time you really should pay no attention to the men behind the curtain.
Kudos to writers Dr Matthew Robson and Hugh Jayness, director Ryan Nicholson, producer Kylana McIntosh (who also plays Wrecks – don't ask), supporting actors Jono Astbury and Rosalie Schneider, costume designer Sally Thomas and the rest of the crew. Kudos also to the sweet-voiced lounge singer who (perhaps wisely) chose to remain anonymous.
Sex Toy Story is playing at the Rubix Bar, and is highly recommended for immature audiences over the age of 18.