★★
Produced by Sayit Once and written by Yixia Jiang, Buttalk follows two friends who attempt to navigate culture shocks and friendship whilst studying abroad. The show promises to be “a wildly original uproarious comedy that brings the absurd to life”. However, it instead feels like a recycled coming of age narrative that is drowning in too much toilet humour—with few standout moments.
The premise itself, although not anything groundbreaking, could be promising. Two friends with big dreams stepping out into the big wide world together whilst exploring their own individual cultural identities. Both performers are solid in their roles and do eventually work up a believable rapport with each other and the audience. So, why does it end up missing the mark?
Well, firstly, the “schoolboy banter” just isn’t enough to carry a 50 minute show. Constant fart jokes and humour centred around male bodily functions are funny for the first five minutes, but when they are still happening well into the final five minutes, they become a real slog. There was nothing shocking, engaging or original about the script. However, to give credit where credit is due, both actors have strong, sharp comic timing—it’s the jokes they are telling that become the issue.
There is too much reliance on these jokes due to the lack of overall plot. You keep expecting to pick up specs of wisdom along the way but, unfortunately, you never do. Moments where you think you’re going to finally get something substantial, turn into another petty squabble. Lines such as “what is one butt cheek without the other?” and “I’ve missed us shitting together” just translate as childish and contrived. It would benefit by delving into its proposed themes with more depth: almost every moment feels throwaway.
The physical comedy used feels equally disposable. If it were more thought-provoking and less repetitive (less constant rolling around on the floor with bouncy balls) it would land better and blend clearer within the show. The sound effects don’t particularly add anything either, they seem to last too long and just happen randomly—the lack of context in the show is at times baffling.
So, both actors are convincing, they get their audience interactions spot on and the premise has promise. However, the persistent toilet humour and lack of direction in terms of the script and physicality make Buttalk a show that doesn’t quite hit the spot. Ps. Don’t watch this if you have just eaten or if you’re just about to!
Buttalk will run until 24 August at Studio 6 at C Arts—C Aurora as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Cory Gourley
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