Review by Kieran Eaton
Gillian Cosgriff is keen to admit it early – she is a procrastinator. Cosgriff sits behind her keyboard and warms the crowd with her honesty. This show has a lofty ambition – create eight songs in eight weeks but Cosgriff likes to challenge herself. She is very close to turning thirty and she worries about not achieving enough. Her kindness and gratitude radiates through the room even as she admits she has a favourite audience member. The audience embrace her frank admission as she uses her and her friends to volunteer information for her song finale.
With a white board and black texta she gets the names of all the volunteers and laughter erupts when she hears the name Bronson, as it was the character from her favourite TV show – Round the Twist! Cosgriff allows for extra comedic material when she asks the volunteers to describe her favourite audience member. Cosgriff maximises laughter from the responses in a way that is respectful to her friend. This musical comedian has been part of FRINGEWORLD, four years ago – where she met this favourite audience member who she now calls a friend. As a touring Melbourne comic, she tells of her surprise of when on her first festival in Perth this audience member brought thirty of her friends! Cosgriff rides the wave of serendipity in making beautiful music out of this weird situation.
Cosgriff is a wonderfully talented musician that keeps us smiling throughout. However, many of these new songs created as part of her artistic journey lack the punchy humour that the audience are looking for. She is still an amazing producer of a festival show that is well deserved of the big stage.
When: 7th – 19th February 2017 | 8:50pm
Where: Noodle Palace | Fringe Central | PERTH
Tickets: $21 – $29
Info: Duration 60 minutes | Suitable 15+