The premise of this show is a variety show at a local venue in a country beset by kaiju with the various acts telling their own story and also of the main story. Not having the actual monsters also is like Godzilla Minus One or the “all meetings” cut of Shin Godzilla, these movies are a drama when the monsters are not onscreen. I did once see seven Godzilla movies a row one year at MIFF for the 70^th anniversary Godzilla so I am 100% in the target market for this!

I had not heard of Shane Adamczak before but was willing to take a shot based on the subject matter and even Zero G had mentioned the show already. There is enough cultural awareness of the kaiju and Japanese culture for anyone to enjoy it even if you have not seen all 35+ of the movies.

There are Japanese characters in this but Shane said he would be playing them with an accent for obvious reasons. My favourites in the show were the young boy and one of the kaiju doing an acoustic cover.

While there is some light audience interaction, it is not as full-on as DUNE BUT WORSE so it was a relief after that show! The venue is also a lot smaller than that one too. No drinks or food in the Old Council Chambers.

There are bits in the show where the characters change over but they are handled well. I was worried they were going to trip over the cables whilst leaving and entering the stage. Tape those things down!

Was a nice come-down for the previous two shows, but I would also recommend this one if you are only going to see one other show or even just this show if you want a quiet night! There are plenty of people downstairs handing out flyers if you want to leave yourself open. Father Daddy was handing out flyers for his friend’s show.

Rating: 4/5

Show details:

Created by Shane Adamczak

Dates: 7 – 18 Oct 2026

Duration: 60min

Tickets

Full $25.00

Concession $22.00

Hump Day Discount $18.75

Fringe Member Discount $18.75

Extra Applause $35.00

Blak Tix $10.00

Group 6+ $20.00

Event Warning: Low Audience Interaction, Mild coarse language

Content Warning: Bullying, War

Tickets

https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/the-year-there-were-no-monsters

Social media

https://www.instagram.com/weepingspoon