Country Chic | Adelaide Fringe 2021 review

Flamboyance, bisexuality and small country towns don’t always mix but they do make for a wonderful show.

Country Chic

Country Chic

Cabaret

Rating: ****

Open Air Theatre, Black Box Theatres @ Adelaide Botanic Garden and Watch From Home

Until March 14

Jared Gerschwitz is fabulous and proudly so. Flamboyance, bisexuality and small country towns, however, don’t always mix.

Jared grew up on a farm in Maitland and this cabaret show takes us on a journey from life on the land, to the stage in London and back again (thanks COVID).

He is a confident storyteller, clever songwriter, and delightful singer. Backed by local musician Emma Knights on the keyboard, he sings his way through life’s up and downs.

His piece about coming out to his parents, in particular his Papa, is particularly moving. This isn’t a show with a big production set-up (two audience members help out with torches) but is all the better for it.

Armed with just an endearing personality and a rotating set of clothing (from flannelette shirt to sparkly disco jacket) he provides a glimpse into his life. The Botanic Garden setting is lovely; rose gardens to the left, bats circling in the moonlight above.

Someone once told Jared he is like the “S Shape in Tetris … the one that doesn’t fit and no one wants to see.”

We’re lucky he’s different. The world of entertainment is better off for it.

Safe to say … he may not be your average jigsaw piece but his parents must be proud.