In their shirtsleeves and patterned ties, devising flimflams and swindles in hokey American accents, Tom and Josh Burton might be Guys and Dolls extras, or some version of Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon chasing their next money-making scheme in Some Like It Hot. The duo’s new sketch show, Fortune Seekers, parodies Old Hollywood hijinks with a verve and attention to detail that evidences real affection for the comic tropes of an earlier age.
Broadly following the efforts of two brothers to win a nationwide contest to claim the fortune of a reclusive gentleman, the show also introduces a cast of other flamboyant characters who are swept up in the chase. Among these are a declining actress intent on stardom for her young daughter, a French locomotive crime specialist, a man trapped in a wall who visitors are warned not to feed, and the scat singing Suavest Man at the Party.
On a relatively bare stage, sound and lighting (most of which is timed seamlessly with the dialogue) go some way to painting the world of Fortune Seekers. As a viewer, it sometimes takes a few moments to identify where we’ve landed within the larger narrative. Given the impressive range of roles brought to life by the two Burtons, a few more distinguishing costume pieces might have aided us in keeping up with the rotation of new and recurring characters. The overall structure is a satisfying one, however, with a strong conclusion that ties up some of the disparate narrative threads.
You might like
This is a fast-talking, dialogue-driven production, where much of the fun lies in character archetypes, wordplay and varied cultural references. Allusions to Chekhov’s gun and Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky sit beside jokes about Barack Obama and The Substance, ensuring Fortune Seekers is more than just a period piece. The brothers’ ability to respond to the room by slipping in a few quick-witted ad-libs helps to keep their polished script feeling fresh. Their natural rapport is also a winning ingredient — the Burtons are often funniest when they’re making each other laugh.
Schemes and scams may be the theme of the night, but with their clever show this pair more than earn their audience’s patronage.
The Burton Brothers – Fortune Seekers is playing at The Lark at Gluttony until March 9
Read more 2025 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview