"I am not skilled enough as a writer to give this exceptional piece the review it deserves. That might sound like hyperbole, but I assure you it is not. If that's hyperbole then I'm about to gush like a waterfall here. The play is a singularly humbling experience. It is a drawn-out existential crisis done well. And it's funny.

The wit of the script by Governor General's Award winner Daniel MacIvor is staggering. As well as being incredibly witty, it is a carefully layered, well-conceived bit of writing that evolves dynamically throughout until reaching what can only be described as an epic conclusion. Zach Counsil's one-man performance is brilliant. The part of Steve requires incredible talent to pull off, and this man does it. Counsil shows tremendous stamina, pounding out every word with conviction and energetic ease. He can take a room from hearty laughter to dead silence with a look. This script and this actor combine to yield a forceful beast of a show that tear you to shreds as easily at as it makes you laugh.

Wild Abandon is a smart play, but not the kind that will have you reaching for your encyclopedia. Right from the start MacIvor makes this abundantly clear; the play opens with high language, but abruptly switches to a more vernacular, conversational tone, immediately engaging the audience. And once Counsil has you in his grasp, he never lets go: the stories he tells are beautiful and hilarious, made all the more so by his dramatic timing. MacIvor does a fantastic job of building an excellent narrative out of pure conversation and Counsil's style hits just the right pitch to make it work.

Dave Dawson's direction is outstanding. Steve moves about fluidly and creatively, in and out of contact with the centrepiece of the set: a steel chain and a wooden chair. He moves with the ebbs and flows of the narrative. Dawson blends all of the elements of the production into one seamless whole. The show achieves a sense of real panic, bringing you into Steve's world to such a degree that it becomes your world.

And that's the main selling point of the show: it forces you to feel what Steve is feeling, whether you want to or not. And the crazy thing is - you can still laugh about it. This is the kind of play that will stay with you. It's the kind of play you'll be desperate to talk about immediately afterward. There's a lot at work here, but it's the experience itself that stands out. I left the theatre feeling like a different person than when I'd entered. I feel that I've fallen victim to this show. And I can give no higher praise."

- Review by Jared Davidson

- Wellington Oracle

- http://www.fullyfringed.ca/?p=232

"Bat Boy is perfect fringe fare. Zachary Council (Bat Boy) is both a brilliant singer and character actor. Great music, solid performances, entertaining comedy... you do not want to miss this one."

- Natalie Joy Quesnel

- Director RHD the Churchill Protocol

- Artistic Director of Enigma Productions, Screwed and Clued Theatre Co.