The title says it all in this polished Fringe production.
Four years ago, diminutive Aussie Jon Bennett posed for a photo of himself with a local landmark positioned as his erect penis. It turned into a joke between friends, and then a worldwide odyssey as Bennett substituted everything from common utensils to world monuments as his phallus — always with a “fuck yeah” expression.
The photos are funny and sometimes brilliantly creative. (See all 300!) They also serve as backdrop for a fast-paced stream-of-consciousness narrative about Bennett’s childhood, relationships and adventures.
Stories about his sadistic older brother — “He put his penis in my ear… constantly” — a dead cow, and a tragic trip to Machu Picchu that led to friendship with a gay Swede, are surprising, touching and hilarious. But Bennett’s rapid-fire delivery sometimes detracts from their emotional resonance.
Bennett is endearing and adorable, and fully embraces the lowbrow absurdity of his life’s work. On opening night, his connection and repartee with the audience were a highlight — I wish there’d been more.
In many ways, Pretending Things are a Cock is a perfect Fringe show: sexy and silly, and performed by someone you’d like to have a few drinks with afterward. Go see it.
Have you seen Pretending Things Are A Cock? Comment and let us know what you think!
