Lorde almighty, political dance and a standing sheep at Mad March
NZ pop royalty Lorde, Canadian dance theatre and a walking sheep – read the latest reviews from the Arts Editor’s desk.
Reviews
Dizney in Drag
This show has it all, including well-known musical highlights – only new and improved parody versions.
Hans: A Night At The SYMPH-honey!
A raucous night of delightfully camp fun – A Night at the Symph-honey will leave you buzzing with joy.
Andrew Silverwood: I Don’t Like Tiser
To save Silverwood’s career, and his cat (its life is on the line) this show is a must see for the final stretch of the Fringe.
Andrew McClelland: The Very Model of a Modern Major Musical
This clever pastiche of Gilbert & Sullivan is presented as a pitch to the Australia Council with the musical woven into a faux grant meeting.
Sam Taunton – Yoho Diabolo
Effortlessly cool, if a little self-deprecating, it’s easy to see why Taunton’s star has been rising over the past few years.
Letters To The Editor
Generating outrageous material from readers’ writings, this is a brilliant left-field concept from four remarkable improv talents.
Latest 5-Star Reviews
Sam Simmons – Be A Verb
Beneath the wildly goofy veneer and dorky dad energy, there’s a vulnerability that makes Simmons an incredibly enigmatic performer.
Shad & Pete Save The World!
Prepare to laugh like you never have, squeal like you’re 12 and smile like it’s your last school photo day.
Sky Song
A poignant blend of modern technology with the rich Indigenous history of the land we stand on, Sky Song feels deeply significant.
No Hat, No Play! The Cabaret
This is the sandpit from hell, but hey, the audience is left helpless with laughter, so we didn’t mind.
Ross Noble: On the Go
Throw absolutely every preconceived notion of good stand-up out the window as Noble continues to rewrite the book.
Steven Oliver: Bigger and Blacker
Steven Oliver is a minority within a minority, and you can add to that an even smaller group: the spectacularly talented.
Safety Nets
Sarah Butler and Jillian O’Dowd present a highly theatrical, thoughtful expression of what it means to be homeless.
Daniel Muggleton: White and Wrong (But Mostly White)
Muggleton is a loose lipped wonder, poking light at difficult topics faced by young ones in our not-so-politically-correct generation.
Baby et Lulu
Faux-thentic French duo Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge were as sparkling and scrumptious as champagne.
More Fringe Reviews
Norm and Ahmed
An interesting discussion on social perceptions and how your country of birth, age and upbringing influence the way you see the world.
A Not So Trivial Pursuit
The likeable and intriguing Hew Parham’s new solo show is an journey of self-discovery that is both bizarre and hilarious.
You’re All Invited To My Son Samuel’s Fourth Birthday Party
Mary Angley and Yoz Mensch give dynamite performances as the doting, neurotic parents of Samuel in this lyrical, new production.
Brothers
Separated by trauma and addiction, two siblings reflect on their childhood and what drove them to become the people they are.
Ain’t It Funny
With edgy political takes and bold observational humour, Ain’t It Funny is raw, dark, and gripping.
A Song of the Emerald Isle
Soprano Emma Horwood, supported by her own harp playing and that of Christine Morphett, sings of Celtic mists and whimsy.
Holy Bin Amoley
There are no has bins in this entertaining kids show about compost, rubbish and recycling.
BOOP
This show has a mission to entertain young people with circus skills while dissolving their concerns and anxieties – harmless fun.
A Cat Amongst the Pigeons
Combining Adelaide Hills duo Tin Can Alley with Heaven Knows Acapella, this concert ranged well-known from covers to originals.
The Adelaide Short Play Festival
Short and sweet, this quirky production from a young cast showcases terrific writing and acting.
Dane Simpson: Didgeridoozy
Didgeridoozy is equal parts educational and side-splitting, as Simpson weaves tales of his home town and its quirky characters.
Judith Lucy & Denise Scott: Still Here
The powerhouse queens of Oz comedy are a welcome breath of fresh air with their part-play, part-stand-up homage to lockdowns.
Diva Does Divorce
According to mezzo soprano Kirsti Harms, many opera tragedies would have been avoided by the casting of a family lawyer.
MANBO
Sam Dugmore delivers ballistic slapstick comedy as 80s action-man Manbo.
Black Puddin’
Theatre, comedy, drag, circus, music and dance artists have put together a light, bright, sequin-and-fishnet-filled romp.
Eleanor Stankiewicz: Nanna-stasia
Actor Eleanor Stankiewicz incorporates the music, the mystery, and the wonder of the animated film Anastasia to tell a new story.
Jarryd Goundrey: Incoming
Turning a traumatic experience into comedy gold is no easy feat, and this glimpse in to Goundrey’s many lives is a delight.
In Their Footsteps
The forgotten women who served in the Vietnam War find voice in this intelligent production
Dinner For One.
A slapstick comedy with enduring appeal, Dinner For One is a delight.
Grant Busé: SentiMENTAL!
It’s time to leave the past where it belongs, and this friendly performance might just convince us to do that.
Daniel Connell – Gutless Wonder
Bright and engaging while incredibly laid back, Connell delights all ages with his raw, that-surely-didn’t-happen stories.
Nick Cody: Classique Cody
Cody has the crowd doubled over in laughter from start to finish with his razor sharp observations and anecdotes.
Emily Grace – Rooted
Exploring millennial problems, Grace’s experiences resonate but a lack of stage presence leaves her punchlines wanting.
Diary of A Sideshow Showgirl
Aleksandra the Great goes on a journey in the arts industry dealing with topics like fat-phobia, suicide and sexual assault.
George Kapiniaris – Malakarama
One for the fans and those unafraid of potential perforated eardrums, Kapiniaris does what he does best in this offering.
24 Hour Political Party People
McCaffrie casts a satirical eye over Australia’s political landscape in a charming, factual yet hilarious manner.
Extra Ordinary
Lucy Gransbury is ordinary but it’s the extra – especially her song parodies – that makes this show delicious.
Werewolves
Werewolves is fabulous fun as ringmaster Nick Phillips leads you cleverly through the game, creating an edge-of-your-seat unease.
Fundamental Human Stupidity Revisited
Stephen Sheely leads you to question whether this is comedy or you’ve signed yourself up for four years of student loans.
Elegance
Lumina Vocal Ensemble and Lyrebird Consort livened up after interval with a colourful infusion of dance-inspired numbers.
Stephen K Amos: Before and Laughter
Audiences can safely be assured of an hour of laughter, whether Stephen K Amos is trotting out one-liners or teasing them.
Lauren Thiel: Don’t Tell Dad
Lauren Thiel is bold, cheeky, daring and confident, and is exploring her sexuality … and is very funny.
The Racist Immigrants
Not for the faint-hearted, The Racist Immigrants definitely sways to the filthy side – but if that’s your thing, you’ll be roaring with laughter.
Venus in Fur, by David Ives
Bridget Gao-Hollitt and Wil King could go off-grid generating this much electricity in a clever, demanding exploration of power.
AD Astra: To the Stars
This immersive sound and light show soars past planets, comets and nebulae to give you a sense that space is big. Really big.
Social Moth
Self-described introvert Patrick Golamco’s lack of confidence results in uncomfortable jokes which build an awkward tension.
PLASTICA FANTASTICA
Offbeat, fun and something you would never predict – this is perfect Fringe fare from a real stage presence.
Michael Shafar – The Return of Shafar
Satirical, dark, clever – Michael Shafar’s edgy comedy, when it lands, lands hard.
Wil Anderson – Wilogical
Wil Anderson recounts hilarious struggles to relate to residents in his new home town, dubbed the anti-vax capital of Australia.
Naomi
Patrick Livesey’s latest work is an astonishing, raw and gut-wrenching tribute to his mother and her death by suicide. It’s a triumph.
Tash York’s Happy Hour
Supported by fabulous drag queens, Tash York delivers a show filled with music, jokes, anecdotes and skits for a happy buzz.
Comedy Hypnotist Matt Hale: Absolute Chaos!
Hale uses his abilities to present a mind-blowing display of the power within the human brain, in an hour of untamed laughter.
Brown and Gay with Matthew Vasquez & Bronwyn Kuss
In an intimate display of stripped-back stand-up, Matthew Vasquez and Bronwyn Kuss poke light at dark stereotypes.
Maestro
Maestro’s improvised games let the crowd decide who’s the best on their feet, and who flops under the pressure.
Lehmo: Be Nice
Lehmo’s laid-back, entertaining narratives and quick wit are lapped up with glee.
In It For The Money
Andrews and Franzway perform an eclectic mix of silly sketches designed to confuse, amuse and bewilder the audience.
Different Now
Best friend comedy duo Annie Lumsden and Lena Moon suffer a millennial existential crisis in their new sketch show.
Disenchanted: A Cabaret of Twisted Fairy Tales
A cabaret makes free with some favourite fairy tales. The Big Bad Wolf may get a reprieve after all.
Fabien Clark – The Alternative
Fabien Clark is back with another romp around the delights and perils of family life, partners, kids, parents and more.
Tania Lacy: Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Tania Lacy’s latest foray is a slickly scripted piece. She knows how to spin a yarn.
More Reviews
i am root
A play about the Ukrainian diaspora, I Am Root is about finding your place in a new country while keeping true to your origins.
Blake Everett: deb(u)t
Everett’s ridiculously topsy-turvy, surreal performance has plenty of hilarious moments, but it’s in need of some tightening.
I Hope My Keyboard Doesn’t Break
Watch this space – Gabbi Bolt is going to be a star, or a feminist icon, or both.
The Umbilical Brothers: The Distraction An Encore
The Umbilical Brothers never stop evolving, with antics and slapstick that are a really impressive coup of comedy and theatre.
Jason Pestell: Kmart to the Rescue
Jason Pestell delivers a show which feels spontaneous and relies heavily on audience interaction in Kmart to the Rescue.
Gordon Southern: The Longest Year
Southern may be the only comic who can get away with talking about Covid for 50 minutes without it feeling overdone.
Lauren Bok: It’s A Long Way To The Bok (If You Wanna Sausage Roll)
Instantly relatable, charismatic and doubled-over-gasping-for-air funny, Bok held the audience in the palm of her hand.
The Pash
Some very important issues of identity, creativity and self worth are brought on to the stage.
Hard to Reach Places
Anna Lumb is a Melbourne mum and circus performer determined to prove she still belongs on stage.
Home Thoughts
It’s an Adelaide v Melbourne battle for most “liveable city” title in this new play about hope and home.
A Flying Photon
Mixing lighthearted, punny humour with a very informed science background, Rayner takes the audience on a journey.
Simon Taylor – Epic
A natural storyteller with a knack for imagery and a dazzling onstage presence will have you hanging on every word.
Sam Campbell – Companion
If you like your comedy on the downright insane end of the spectrum, Sam Campbell will satisfy your every need.
BasketballMan Can Fly
One of the world’s top freestyle basketballers developed his highly entertaining show for families and a packed house loved every bit.
Men Who Dance
A solid hour of moves that run the gamut from classical and modern, through hip-hop, freestyle and even a dash of Bollywood.
Dirk Darrow: Magic of Future Past
Tim Motley’s detective takes a more family-friendly approach this year which pays dividends, with PG appeal to a younger audience.
Dropped In It
One actor is late, so the audience has to help the remaining actors with the narrative they will be improvising.
Tahir – Humans Scare Me
Tahir’s stand-up includes stories, magic and improvisation. For better or worse, he does accents and stereotypical racial jokes.
Kevin Quantum: Dark Matter
Quantum has a clever knack of making a number of acts appear connected, compounding the apparent complexity of the whole.
My Dick
Don’t let the title fool you – there’s no smut here. Just an hour of intimate cabaret from one of our brightest local talents.
A Booster Shot of Song
Experienced soloists, soprano Joanna McWaters and baritone Andrew Turner, add zest and musical glamour to the male choir.
Australian Vocal Ensemble – AVÉ
AVÉ is the brainchild of star singer-songwriter Katie Noonan, who has formed a quartet that’s a force to be reckoned with.
Cabernet Refined
A familiar blend of song, dance, comedy and aerial acrobatic routines with a recurring wine theme.
Not Your Average Asian Girl
If Kira Yang is only just coming out of her shell, she and her former music theatre classmates are going to be talents to watch.
Geppetto Toys
A musical which combines original songs with familiar hits also mashes children’s pantomime and adult comedy, to mixed results.
Best of the Edinburgh Fest
From the dark, to the filthy, to the downright joyfully silly – this is the perfect choice for comedy lovers with a thirst for variety.
An evening with Defoe – The Plague
Slightly nuts – but never boring – this production is an entertaining evening with Robinson Crusoe writer Daniel Defoe.
PERIOD.
Carla Anita Mattiazzo’s superb one-woman show is everything you ever wanted to know about periods (but were afraid to ask).
Sweetie
A warm-hearted solo performance from Dummies Corp’s Simon Wright mixes physical comedy, acrobatics and a touch of magic.
I’m Hips: A clown-ey, mime-ish, burl-esque tribute to Blossom Dearie
A mime tribute to the exquisite vocalist Blossom Dearie is archetypally Fringey – and a little Shakespearean.
Hot Mess: That Wasn’t Part Of The Plan
Nona Mona combines her stellar burlesque skills with her newly acquired stand-up comedy routines.
Positive
Katie Elle Jackson is trying to remain positive after she never received her Hogwarts letter on her 11th birthday.
Wanderlust
Shelley Dunstone’s Marilyn Monroe-like tones shine in moments, as she shares memories which have shaped her life.
The Purple Rabbit
Five diverse and provocative performers keep the action coming in sharp bursts which have everyone on the edge of their seats.
Fady Kassab: Is This Legal?
Kassab takes audiences through seemingly irrelevant stories which culminate in a hilarious perspective on love and relationships.
Nurse Georgie Carroll – Sister Flo 2.0
If you need a balm for the soul or ointment for an itch, Nurse Georgie Carroll is on hand to provide a jolly good time.
Moist
As a title for this engaging, very silly romp, camper than row of pink frilly tents, it barely covers it. Dripping wet, this cast is, and the audience gets soaked a bit as well.
The Handmodel’s Tale
Firstly, Victor David is Dutch and secondly, he actually has worked as a hand model in advertising photos and videos.
The Wilkins Trilogy – Part 1
Stephen Schofield is superb as a young Bert Wilkins, an extraordinary South Australian.
Chansons de Jacques Brel
John Waters becomes Jacques Brel in this brilliant show celebrating the famous Belgian’s French songs.
Bioluminescence
In a concert of solo flute works inspired by the beauties of natural phenomena, there was far more variety than you’d expect.
Girl World
Gender identification and overt sexism are centre stage in the game show from hell.
Fiona O’Loughlin LIVE
Fiona O’Loughlin aka “Mrs Keith Richards” is more than happy to laugh at herself in this standout stand-up show.
Blanc de Blanc Encore
Get set for a hedonistic night of sensual stunts, ribald wit and incredible acrobatic prowess
Ivan Aristeguieta – Happy Papi
The Venezuelan ex-pat comic is expressive, energetic, completely charming and just bloody funny.
Classical Mystery Tour
The classical arrangements are excellent and faithfully capture the experimentation and bombast of the Fab Four’s 1967 recording.
Story Monsters
Social media giants clash in this scary insight into our hi-tech modern world.
Arcadia – Bohemian Cabaret
Covid has created a desert for chorus lines. This outing into the Fringe can be taken as their oasis.
Face Value
Outside the Lines Circus proves to its audience, in this beguiling show, that there is no rule that isn’t worth breaking.
Luka Muller – Yeah Nice
Muller makes quirky observations about how he doesn’t fit into traditional standards – and about a guy who ate a plane.
Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/adelaide-fringe/reviews