A Very Kransky Christmas

The Kransky Sisters are a macabre looking trio from Esk in rural Queensland. They travel Australia in their Morris Major entertaining with songs they have learnt from listening to the ‘wireless’. This time around we are privileged to share Christmas songs and stories.

Appearing in identical buttoned up shirts with large red bows, black skirts, tights and shoes, not to mention their severe black haircuts, it is hard at first to make sense of their intentions, but all is revealed when Mourne (Annie Lee) introduces her sisters. Eve (Christine Johnston) is the middle sister and clearly very influenced by Mourne as she quietly mimics most of her dialogue. Dawn (Carolyn Johns) is the youngest sister and never says a word; an outcast to her older siblings as they only share the same mother. She looks like she is on the verge of tears the entire show and clearly gains the sympathy of the audience.

It is as if we are witnessing some flashback to the 1960s; clearly sheltered from the mainstream, each becomes a caricature, almost blending into each other as they give their voice and interpretation to modern day classics from Daft Punk, Simon and Garfunkel and Lady Ga Ga, amongst others.

The absurdity is what makes it so funny. Each plays many instruments from acoustic guitar, tuba, biscuit tins, saws to an old reed keyboard. Voices are strong and harmonies are beautifully thought through. The whole show has a retro feel. Witty banter and comfortable ad-libs make them a pleasure to watch. Relaxed interaction with the audience brings with it some hilarious moments.

Adding to the trio when I saw the show were two male victims they’d plucked from the crowd; they were dressed like the sisters and the results were side splitting.

It was a fantastic way to get in the holiday spirit. It felt like we were family by the end and one found oneself invested in these three naïve souls. The standing ovation at the show’s end was an indication that all had a glorious time.

Kerry Cooper