End Game
A cabaret performer, Joanie, arrives at the Afterlife, and is asked what she has learnt? This takes the audience on a journey with Joanie to understand the choices she made and their consequences. Her spirit guide Pam reveals more than Joanie knew about the reaction of another woman, Eva, following a chance meeting after one of Joanie’s shows. Through myriad other characters, we discover there are still opportunities for redemption, with renewed purpose.
Katie Reddin-Clancy is an award-winning performer from the UK, presenting a world premiere of her newly written show at the Adelaide Fringe. Reddin-Clancy’s storytelling uses theatre, song (and a little daggy dance) to craft familiar yet individual personas – from a Gen-Z executive assistant to the artistic director of an alternative theatre; and from a naïve performer just starting out to a fading cabaret star. They are all brilliantly observed and their authentic accents are great.
The concept is original, the story is cleverly written, the characters distinct and well-drawn. Whilst it starts slowly and takes a while to establish what’s happening, once we’re back on earth with her memories from her life, it moves swiftly, and the comedy and drama are strong.
It also asks some challenging questions about why we make the choices we do and shows the exponential growth of consequences – good and bad – of a throwaway line, a choice of work or love, or the larger decision of what you should do with your life. This philosophical depth might not be what you think you’re looking for at a late-night show, but it’s always intriguing and Reddin-Clancy’s characterisations keep you interested and caring about their outcomes. (Though if the late night bothers you, then the show shifts to an earlier slot in the season!)
Review by Mark Wickett
Photographer: Veronika Marx
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