Fine farewell for Scaredies
The Age
Friday April 1, 2011
ENOUGH ALREADY Rating: 4/5Scared Weird Little Guys The Athenaeum, until April 3THE Scared Weird Little Guys are calling it quits after two decades. Instantly recognisable for the amusing size mismatch John Chaplin-Fleming is lanky and all limbs; Rusty Berther vertically challenged the difference pales compared with what they have in common: musical talent and a fine sense of the ridiculous.Their final show sees the Scaredies at the top of their game. It's a goofy, absurd and supremely relaxing entertainment a smattering of new material liberally spiced with favourite gags and ditties.Berther's vocal impersonations of pop stars are hilarious. It's worth the price of admission just to hear him singing Waltzing Matilda in the style of Eminem. Other musical hijinks include impromptu '80s mash-ups, several in which they play the same guitar, simultaneously, and singing from the phone book at turbo speed.If a solo career doesn't pan out, Berther will have no trouble finding work as a race-caller. Who knows part of the Scaredies' charm is that they're serious musicians, and this farewell tour is a compelling gig underneath the giggles.
© 2011 The Age