Riding on the promise of free coffee on demand, The Coffee Party (aka Wayward Council) have set out to inspire the electorate and storm the polls. Trouble is their policies are hazy at best and there is a hint of division and derision in the ranks.
Far from simply being a collection of skits, Skinny No Foam is a power struggle between the Machiavellian Mackenzie (who wants to install his childhood heroes into the Cabinet) and his jolly underling John (who’d much rather have a cup of tea) that simmers along nicely. While their aim to win our votes quickly goes out the window, their infighting is delightful and ranges from a slightly obvious karaoke interrogation to the wonderful rock/scissors/paper big arena finale.
Admittedly a few flat moments keep it off the boil but most of Wayward’s slightly dark humour hits the mark. This and few muffed lines aside, Raetz, Taylor and Soffe have managed to create a tight, well-formed comedy that might even make political sense.
The Wayward Council may not get in at the next election but their energising brand of comedy definitely tips the swingometer this August.
4/5
Richard Biggs
