It’s Scarf Lady’s birthday, so Sarah and Duck put on a party. Various characters familiar to fans of the cartoon are enlisted to perform, including the Shallots, John and the Flamingo and The Ribbon Twins. Nearly all of the dialogue is pre-recorded, creating a slight disjunction between the dialogue and the live action. Thankfully everyone keeps time well enough that the young viewers don’t seem bothered and indeed my nearly-three-year-old was generally captivated. It’s visually very pleasing – the puppets and set look just right. The suitably kooky story is also well in keeping with the tone of the original, while successfully managing the transition from 7 minute cartoon to 55 minute live show. Quacking.

Underbelly Med Quad, until 20 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Bruce Blacklaw]