Presented as part of Sydney Fringe Festival. Written by Matt Bell. Directed by Suzy Thresh.
Reviewed by Tessa Miles
Village Green Festival Garden
September 13th & 14th 2024
Tickets: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/dead-to-me-a-comedy-ghost-tour
A comically horrifying, immersive ghost tour on foot that explores one man’s dating nightmares, delivered on the bustling streets of Sydney
Step aside traditional ghost tours — Matt Bell‘s Dead to Me: A Walking Ghost Tour brings a refreshingly hilarious and relatable spin to the genre. As a self-proclaimed bachelor, stand-up comedian Bell guides you through his haunted past with a comedic twist that’s perfectly in tune with the modern dating scene.
This tour isn’t just about eerie tales from Sydney’s storied streets; it’s a deep dive into the horrors of contemporary dating. Picture running into exes, being ghosted, and dating mishaps that seem straight out of a horror movie. Bell paints these everyday dating nightmares with a blend of dark humour and sharp wit that keeps you laughing while nodding in recognition. His stories are as engaging as they are comically horrifying.
Walking through Sydney’s historic streets adds an immersive element to the experience. Each location is more than just a backdrop; it’s a part of the narrative that connects the city with the trials of modern dating and is very relatable for most Sydneysiders. From haunted sites of abandoned romances to eerie anecdotes about old flames, the tour transforms Sydney into a living, breathing character in its own right.
Particularly impressive is Matt Bell’s adaptability and professionalism while he navigates Sydney’s bustling, windy, and occasionally chaotic sidewalks with impressive skill. Each audience member uses headphones connected to Bell’s microphone, which allows the audience to remain engaged – even when other members of public think you are part of a silent disco and fist pump at you. Bell’s ability to keep the tour flowing smoothly despite the Saturday night hustle demonstrates not just his comedic talent, but his stagecraft (streetcraft) and knack for managing an interactive experience with ease. Bell’s performance is both endearing and expertly timed, making the tour feel both personal and engaging.
Dead to Me: A Walking Ghost Tour is a clever commentary on dating struggles and the strange people you meet in one’s quest for love, all wrapped into a spooky and funny evening. Whether you’re navigating the dating app scene or just in the mood for a unique Sydney adventure, Bell’s tour delivers both chills and laughs, making it a highlight of the Sydney Fringe Festival.
