1984 - Diary of a Teenage Diva
Based on Penny Shaw’s popular podcast, Diary of a Teenage Diva, comes this cabaret show that celebrates 1984, theatre kids, boys and more boys and an unusually named club.
The podcast format is that each episode Penny joins with a friend to read her actual teenage diary. Unseen in advance, Penny rediscovers her teenage self, and her adventures at school, Girl Guides, musical rehearsals, holidays and parties, with a surprising amount of alcohol.
First performed to acclaim at the Perth International Cabaret Festival, it returns for two seasons during FringeWorld, a short season at The Jonesway Theatre, followed by an appearance at Rockingham.
The show is similar in format, as with the help of accompanist Robert Graham, Penny revisits her diary as she reflects on the music, fashion and attitudes of the time. A theatre kid who skipped watching Live Aid to see a musical, we are treated to songs including “Fame”, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Poor Wandering One”, Sting’s “Russians”, Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” and Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, all gorgeously performed, and, as always, listening to Penny’s voice is a delight.
A great nostalgia trip for those of a similar age, or those who lived through the era, and an education for younger audience members.
Fresh, funny and musically excellent, this show is well worth seeing. Girls (and guys) will definitely have fun.
Kimberley Shaw
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