The Art of Storm-Whistling - 7 out of 10
Curious Roach Collective
TICKETS: The Art of Storm-Whistling | Adelaide Fringe
Tom Robins of Curious Roach Collective is remounting his
successful 2025 production of The Art of Storm-Whistling. What could be
a simple tale about a boy, his grief and being the black sheep of the family
has been turned into something more mythic in nature. Drawing upon maritime
folklore Robins has created an original story that he shares with his audience
in just under an hour.
Robins uses the small space well, with nothing but the book
of maritime folklore left to his character John by his Uncle Max, who was lost
at sea, and a small wooden raft with mast to cling to while storms are
conjured. His voice fills the space and his words are clear to the ear;
essential in a one-hander performance like Storm-Whistling. The pacing
and delivery throughout the show felt a bit constrained, with moments where I
longed for Robins to let rip at a hundred words a minute or to modulate his
tone up or down even more than he already does.
The lighting, as required in a small and transformed space
like the Crawford Room was constrained but highly effective. The sound effects
and recorded lines were less so. Tracks and effects came out of the blue and
cut off abruptly; perhaps if there was a continuous soundscape or a gentle wind
and sounds of the ocean, these necessary sound effects wouldn’t feel so abrupt.
Robins has the skill and tenacity to hold an audience
captive for an hour with just his voice and presence on the stage. If you
appreciate the art of monologue, story-telling, and the creation of new myths, The
Art of Storm-Whistling is a show you will not want to miss.
–Scott
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