Reviews

Heath Franklin's Chopper - Bogan Jesus

Adelaide Fringe Festival. Corona Theatre. Garden of Unearthly Delights. 16th Feb - 4th March, 2018

Comedian Heath Franklin has resurrected his most popular impersonation of deceased criminal ‘Chopper’ Read for his new show Bogan Jesus. His latest offering is not for the easily offended, but most come expecting to be shocked by Franklin’s brutally honest humour.

With trademark moustache, sunglasses and tattoos, the comedian is obviously comfortable in the skin of the former notorious gangster.

Madame Nightshade's Poison Garden

Directed by Sarah Ward and Maude Davey. The Studio, The Blue Room, Northbridge, WA, as part of Summer Nights and Fringe World. Feb 20-24, 2018

In Anna Thomson’s one woman show, a devilish shapeshifter Beatrice transforms into her alter ego, the ‘beautiful’ and silent but anarchic Madame Nightshade. Physical comedy, with clowning and grotesque exaggeration keeps the audience engrossed and occasionally grossed out, for the best part of an hour.

Anna Thomson is a competent, confident and very talented performer with an enigmatic manner and she stars in a complex and clever piece of theatre that is perhaps the most prop-heavy show at Fringe World.

Miss Westralia

Fringe World. Balloon Head Theatre. Directed by Kylie Bywaters. The King's Lair, His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, WA. Feb 20-24, 2018

Miss Westralia - The Beryl Mills Story is a new musical based on the very first Miss Australia, a 19 year old from Geraldton, and her trip to the United States with competition sponsor Frank Packer.

Balloon Head Theatre’s production features a collaborative script with music and lyrics by Jake Nielson, music by Matthew Predny, book by (actors) Madeline Clouston, Ameliia Bourke and Noemie Huttner-Koros and dramaturgy by Ariella Stolan. A great concept, the story is a good one, and the songs well structured.

The Naked Magicians

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2018. Cornucopia at Gluttony. Feb 16 - Mar 4, 2018

There is an old saying in theatre that says ‘less is more’. That is certainly the case with The Naked Magicians -less clothes and even more talent.

I didn’t really know what to expect, apart from the obvious magic and nudity, so I wasn’t quite prepared for what awaited me. On arriving, the audience is immersed in the experience, music blaring at full volume with bright blue and pink lights illuminating a stage, a hanging box, a table and a chair with an inflatable naked lady sitting astride.

Years to the Day

By Allen Barton. Adelaide Fringe. South Australian Playwrights Theatre. Noel Lothian Hall - Adelaide Botanic Gardens. February 20 - March 4, 2018

It is exactly four Years to the Day since Jeff and Dan last met face to face. They have a history that stretches back twenty-five years to their first day at College and in the last four years a lot of things have changed.

A Modern Guide to Heroism and Sidekickery

Fringe World. Directed by Michelle Zahner. The Gold Digger, Fringe Central, Northbridge, WA. Feb 16-25, 2018

A Modern Guide to Heroism and Sidekickeryis a gorgeously told story about an accidental super hero, the side kick who makes her famous and a narrator called Michelle - who as the creator of this show, is a bit of a super hero herself.

The Show Goes On

By Bernadette Robinson and Richard Carroll. Director: Richard Carroll. Musical Director/Arranger: Martine Wengrow. Arts Centre, Melbourne, Fairfax Studio. Feb 15 - Mar 11, 2018

I have been aware of Bernadette Robinson’s one woman shows for a number of years, but had not encountered them until now. I was not disappointed.

For almost an hour and a half, Ms. Robinson enthralled her audience by presenting many of the iconic female singers of the last century. She effectively combined her acting and musical skills to portray each character. The standing ovation at the end was richly deserved.

Alcestis

By Euripides. Adelaide Fringe 2018. Scramble Prince Theatre Company. Bakehouse Theatre. 19-24 February 2018

Euripides’ Alcestis was first performed in Athens in 438 BCE and is arguably the first ‘tragicomedy’ in world drama. It has always been regarded as a ‘problem play’ because of its combination of tragic and comic elements; it doesn’t easily fit into any clearly defined category in that its complexity raises as many questions as it addresses.

One Long Night in the Land of Nod

By Duncan Graham. Adelaide Fringe. Presented by The Cabbages and Kings Collective. Noel Lothian Hall, Adelaide Botanic Garden; 16-25 Feb, 2018. The Pocket, Stirling; 7-8 Mar, 2018.

This is a tale of the world of two brothers, one named Kane. Yes, One Long Night in the Land of Nod is a show unafraid of making grand allusions – but does it live up to them?

30 Minute Macbeth

Fringe World. Directed by Patrick Hercamp. The Ramp, The Ice Cream Factory, Northbridge, WA. Feb 19-25, 2018

30 Minute Macbeth is exactly what it says in the title - Shakespeare’s blackest tragedy, told in (under) half an hour. It is a highly charged, super-energised romp through this darkest of tales.

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