RIGHT > LEFT > RIGHT > JUMP > PUNCH > KICK! Karate Man is the ultimate multiplayer videogame, an anarchically funny choose-your-own-adventure in which every audience member gets a turn.

Our 1980s-esque video game character is Karate Man, a hero in Karatetown ever since he beat his nemesis Ross Roundkick in 198X. When we meet him, he has found himself facing quite possibly his biggest challenge yet – living an ordinary life. Together, we are tasked with supporting Karate Man to be a better husband, find a new career, and overcome his inner demons.

BEAK Comedy co-founders Daniel Scarratt and Bruno Dubosarsky’s ambitious concept demonstrates the intelligence and skill that goes into absurdist comedy. The jokes are so deliberately bad they’re good, and the props are rough and ridiculous. The cast goes all-in on the silliness of their roles, moving and speaking, beeping and glitching as they portray a series of NPCs (non-playing characters).

The level of audience interaction embedded in the performance is a whole other triumpth, both because it relies on people being able to use a game controller and because with every decision we make, the cast must adapt to the storyline we have chosen, meaning you could see this show multiple times and always get a different story. It would be a real struggle to bring to life on a mainstage but on an indi one, currently Sydney Comedy Festival, the choose-your-own-adventure format thrives with only an enthusiastic crowd and a Bluetooth game controller.

Dubosarsky is our indefatigable Karate Man and boy does he get a workout during the show! Depending on the audience’s conscience, he spends his time on stage leisurely moving between scenes or jumping, punching and kicking his heart rate into oblivion – can you guess which one happens most often? Steph Ryan, who plays his wife, Kara, is brilliantly awkward in delivering the clunky retro game dialogue, and her love for Karate Man tugs on your heartstrings when you least expect it. And in case the audience is struggling to follow the instructions to play, there’s a snarky voiceover reminding us what to do, when and how.

A unique and playful night out at the theatre and an opportunity to be part of the fun! What more can you ask for?

Find more detail on Karate Man here.

Wine Tasting Pallet | Wine Pairing

Choose your own adventure with a wine tasting pallet! I’d recommend BUBBLES > WHITE > RED but, of course, it’s your call.

Karate Man, BEAK Comedy | Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	9 to 12 May 2024, Factory Theatre Sydney. Produced by BEAK Comedy
Writer	Daniel Scarratt and Bruno Dubosarsky
Theatre Type & Genre	Comedy, live-action
See it if you like	Video games, absurdist comedy, audience participation
Wine Pairing	WIne tasting