A chaotic production, told from the point of view of a polar bear, with an important message about the small actions we can take to help safeguard our future. Rating
Good!
The phrase ‘drill, baby, drill’ was first coined in 2008 at the Republican National Convention by Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, in support of increased drilling for gas and petroleum as sources of energy. The slogan is still in use, with current US President Donald Trump using the phrase during his 2024 presidential campaign and his 2025 inaugural address. Drill, Baby, Drill, however, told from the point of view of a polar bear, is not in support of these energy sources at all. During the hour-long performance, we see Frank Wurzinger, as the bear, go through a series of vignettes describing what is happening to his environment.
The show is chaotic. The set is made of tin foil, featuring hidden balloon seals and mic stands used as drilling equipment. We see the polar bear hunting, showing the audience the aurora borealis (via a blackout and a circus-style display of coloured balls being hurled through the air), and dealing with the consequences of rising sea levels.
The show is assisted throughout by audience interaction, including an audience member being picked to do the sound effects when the unseen lighting technician ‘forgets’. Another is tasked with throwing the contents of a recycling bag over Wurzinger, while a third is given a violin to create a disastrous soundtrack as the consequences of global warming become clear. The use of space is excellent here. The stage area is small, but Wurzinger makes it seem much larger through his use of lighting and props.
Much of the performance is disrupted by an exuberant child in the front row who hasn’t yet learned the etiquette of audience interaction. The child and their sibling seem to believe that Drill, Baby, Drill is a choose-your-own-adventure and interact with Wurzinger at will. He deals with this beautifully, and the way he flip-flops between dry humour and unabashed chaos keeps the audience engaged throughout. The mood of the show fluctuates between highs and lows, and the audience is captivated.
At one point, Wurzinger makes an impassioned plea to the audience, stating, as the bear, “I have to eat meat, you don’t – black beans have more protein than chicken”. And he is right. Drill, Baby, Drill serves as a reminder to us all that even when the future of the environment seems hopeless, there are some small actions everyday people can take to help safeguard our future.
Written by Frank Wurzinger & Devised by the Company
Directed by John Wright
Sound by Bob Karper
Dramaturgy by Debs Newbold
Drill Baby Drill has finished its run at Club Silly as part of the Lambeth Fringe
