Who am I?
Novocastrian former member of the famed The Castanet Club and supreme assailer of the Sale of the Century?
Russell Cheek, that’s who.
WHO AM I? is also the title of a fireside chat of a show devised by Russell Cheek, complete with accompanying video, chronicling the momentous and life changing challenge of being a contestant on a high profile and iconic national quiz show.
Abject poverty was the inspiration for Russell’s decision to apply for a shot at the bountiful booty, despite having had a scary experience previously in a local student quiz. But penury calls for extreme action and the allure of lucre can make one a little loony.Russell takes us through the expanse of time between application and audition to finally being offered a slot on the program.
Fear and apprehension are his companions, for there is the very likely event that his first appearance on the prime time show could be his last, and that instead of vying for national general knowledge champion he could be relegated to national misfit.
“Thought is the Petri dish of doubt”, Russell tells us, and “Aspiration needs preparation”, so Russell applied himself to the task, utilising “oldspapers” and a Zen of Golf visualisation, with impressive results.
Nearly a quarter of a century later, Russell can be relaxed about the experience, and his sharing of it is an absolute treat; a fondling of the nostalgia zone and a salute to affirmative action and tenacity.
Mr. Cheek has a definite charm and charisma that makes his chronicling a carefree and comic delight. The presentation of edited excerpts from his expedition to conquer the Everest of quiz shows are fascinating and funny and reveal a palpable journey from wonky wannabee to carry over champion to ultimate victor.
Aided and abetted with subtle absurdity from Steve Abbott, aka The Sandman, co -ex Castanet Clubber, who is credited as the director, and stage manager Jacky Bennett, who not only operates the sound scapes and video clips and designed the lighting, but participates in supporting banter and practical sound effects, WHO AM I? is a winning, warm and rewarding seventy minutes in the theatre.
Russell Cheek’s Who Am I? is playing the Old 505 theatre situated on Level 1, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown until Saturday August 20. Performance times are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8 pm.