FRINGEWORLD 2017 officially kicks off tonight and it’s going to be huge! With over 700 shows how do you choose what to see? Last year, The Australia Times Theatre covered a lot of shows so here are our top recommendations for shows we’ve already seen. If you missed out last year, try not to make it a habit!
Adrienne Truscott’s Asking For It
We didn’t see this show last year but her show last time was amazingly funny! Funny, frank and incredibly candid, Truscott tells us about her poverty-stricken college period and how she raised the money to attend a pretentious sounding acting/movement course and the hilarious adventures that came about at that time in her life. Jumping between the story and how that moment shaped the current show, Truscott muses on feminism, femininity, comedy, dignity and everything else in between. (Page 45]
A truly relatable show, which is certainly demonstrated by the audience interaction, Ryan changes lyrics to songs and sings original pieces to tell the poignant story of her cabaret journey. Go and see it, just make sure you have enough to drink for your ultimate liberation. (Page 11)
Gordon plays an audacious host, looking every bit the flapper girl in tight pink dress and 1920s wavy hair. She jokes between songs, but never forgets to provide historical background on each before launching in and giving an expressive performance.
This dedication to the theme is echoed by the music itself – lead soloist Galante is routinely given a run for his money by Jeaver’s bass solos, Deacon’s strumming and especially Gear’s fantastically fast and accurate picking. Altogether, it makes for a first-rate performance. Any audience will enjoy this taste of the 20s, but don’t go thinking this band is a gimmick – Sassafras is a theme band whose sound is the centerpiece. (Page 92)
Australia: A Whinging Pom’s Guide
This show is like Australia itself – it’s very easy going. It gives an insight into Willis’s personality, while connecting with the audience. Willis is quick and natural at crowd work, he deftly deals with a crowd member that makes some racist comments skillfully and smoothly. He uses this as a segue into a story about getting king hit by a racist during a comedy show. (Page 47)
Cheeky, fun and very sexy this hilarious show has got it all! The all male revue has been stunning audiences around the globe with their ‘burlesque with balls’ show. Think classy drag-clowns. It’s brilliant, though TAT Theatre won’t be seeing the full Briefs this year, we will be dropping into Club Briefs a late night cabaret variety that’s bound to be eye-opening. (Page 12)
Have you ever laughed so hard you get that feeling of when water goes up your nose? Choked back tears because you know it’s silly to cry at a cliché? No? Then you haven’t seen Bruce. The plot is kitsch, complex, and full of every pop-culture reference imaginable. This is where Bruce shines. It is essentially homage to the space race, action-adventure, cop film, Twilight Zone and of course every time travel tale ever told. Bruce is a live-action B-movie told with puppetry and it is exquisite. (Page 105)
It is an authentic performance, and their angst is real and relatable; I felt the anguish of the Tinder experience (swipe right), the fights with friends, the forgiveness, the life events, and ultimately, the trust.
Both likable characters; Crogan and Jimmy are fallible and lovable, yet not remarkable which is the brilliance of Fag Stag. Two ordinary mates are navigating a complicated world and more difficult feelings. (Page 106)
A portrait of Amy Winehouse, showing her own spin. If you don’t know Amy Winehouse you’ll get to know her. It paints her spiral down, but also her lightness, because she was such a funny girl. She was misunderstood to some degree. The media took photos of her drunk in the streets, people didn’t realise that she hadn’t taken drugs the last two years before she died. The biography of Amy was spun by her Dads words, the cabaret is unique in the sense it’s her own voice and not spun by anyone else. (Page 17)
Grounded is thrilling and compelling, the Pilot’s obsessive need to stay on for ‘just one more’ hour is reminiscent of the late night gamer, who just needs to join one more skirmish or raid, sitting in a darkened room with the only light a sluggish blue glow bathing their face. Questioning how warfare has changed, how families have changed and how our virtual world connects us in an unprecedented fashion, Grounded will thrust you onto the edge of your seat and keep you there. (Page 107)
Without giving too much away, that would ruin the shows pleasurable build up of hilarious twists and turns it is hard to describe more. However this is an absolute riot of a show. A must see symbolic experience that culminates in the clear denouement of how most of us, and indeed Helen herself experience that great Big O. (Page 57)
Sami Shah is a well-travelled expat Pakistani comic who explores his existential journey in becoming an apostate to Islam. What is exceptional, is Shah’s ability to present a serious topic in a light manner. He is very likeable on stage, highlighted by his ability to get an audience member to read facts about Islam that can only be said by a white male! Islamofarcist is a wonderful theme based comedy show for those who want to think about the world they live in. (Page 59)
At its simplest Labels is insightful, witty, charming, and most of all powerfully thought provoking. A beautifully put together discussion about the act of labelling, our participation in this act and the blurring of ideas that create such a distance between curiosity an fear?
I would consider this show an absolute must see for anyone who would rather not see themselves and the world around them become little more than a walking disclaimer. (Page 109)
The exclusive La Soiree Speigeltent is camped in the historical Cathedral Square and is a haven of cabaret, smoky bars, summer garden lights and refreshments. The Speigeltent really heats up as the scintillating show rocks, thrills, and gives you chills. This show will make you gasp in disbelief and delight at its unique blend of cheeky cabaret, sultry acrobatics, vaudevillian intrigue, and sheer showmanship. (Page 18)
Whether you see one of these shows or something new, stay tuned to The Australia Times, Theatre as we bring you all the latest and greatest of FRINVGEWORLD 2017.
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FRINGEWORLD 2017 Kicks Off!
Last night on FRINGEWORLD Eve a group of media, sponsors, government and artists gathered at the Pleasure Garden to officially open FRINGEWORLD 2017. This year, it’s bigger than ever – with over 700 shows and still remains the third largest Fringe Festival in the world! (THE WORLD, PEOPLE!) I was treated to a few sneak … Read more
