The Golden Aged Girls

Those who saw the first instalment of Golden Girls at Fringe in 2019 and 2020 were surely not going to miss this production, performed with the same cast. Golden Girls was first seen in 2019, winning the Fringe Festival Cabaret award and then played to full houses in 2020. Writer performers Amy Fortnum and Jess Clancy, both WAAPA graduates, workshopped this follow-up production in Sydney before presenting it at Fringe 2021. It was a delight to watch.

The sequel picks up the story of Ruth and Irene 15 years on, as they continue to run a funeral extravaganza performing company.  The script is deliciously delivered with many changes of accent as Fortnum and Clancy take on several personas. Never have you met two more self-centred characters than Ruth and Irene – only now their ego depends on the success of their daughters.  The women take on the roles of both mothers and daughters, ably switching between the two. Marvellous comedic moments mix with both outstanding singing and dancing to deliver a dynamic production.  These two have the music theatre craft well honed.

This time, pianist/Principal/offsider Peter, played wonderfully by Jackson Harper, has a much larger role.  His presence allows for the transitions to be smooth and as such it is a wonderful theatrical device, well played. One gets the feeling that Jackson has much, much more to give. He gave wonderful characterisations in a witheringly Australian accent, being keen to sing his obviously favourite tune, Danny Boy, at many funerals. A standout was the Play School-esque number by Harper as the luckless Principal who doesn’t get to eat lunch, owing to the nagging interruptions of both mothers and daughters. 

There was a lot to laugh at and admire in the overacting (intended) and a great twist gives a short feeling of the macabre, before this musical dances on (indeed tap dances) into the utterly ridiculous.  A crowd favourite was the Tuesday is Tap Day number, showing off all the duo’s talents. The music was a mixture of old favourites, new popular tunes, and originals. Staging and lighting were simple but very smooth. When there is that much talent, not much more is needed.

We should look forward to anything this cast does in future.

Jenny Fay

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