Truthmachine feels a bit like an audience participation version of the multiple Darkfields shows that are dotted across the George Square area. (Coma, Flight, and Arcade). Those are non-participatory sound designs in a box. This takes it up a level as 12 people are led into a laboratory to take part in an experiment that may or may not blow our minds in the unusual surroundings of the Quaker Meeting House.

Counterpilot, in association with Cluster Arts (Australia), have added to the already glorious presence of Australia in this year’s Fringe. It really feels like a meeting of minds between that continent and this relatively small city. Adelaide has a lot to be thanked for in that respect.

Right, cards on the table.  It’s a show, not an experiment, but it’s highly engaging and really quite gripping from start to finish. It’s short, but it’s good.

The laboratory is furnished with voting devices that each of 12 ‘jurors’ (that’s the audience) can use to electronically decide what they think at multiple times to multiple questions. But are we individually and collectively lying or telling the truth?  It would be interesting to know what the Quakers think of the ‘Have you ever had a finger stuck up your…” question. But keep it schtumm.

The lie detector construct of this show isn’t entirely convincing, but the performance is.  A female interrogator selects a willing volunteer to be truth-tested on literally anything, and Julian agrees.

At this point Mansion House rules have to kick in.  To tell you any more would be the king of spoilers.

It’s great fun, but as the experience (it’s an experience, not really theatre) develops it’s clear that the whole is less than the sum of its parts. One wonders, what was the point? But what the hell, it was fun.

Truthmachine is at studio at C ARTS | C venues | C alto until Sun 30 Aug 2026