Fringe Wrap: Wed Mar 2

We're into the second last week of the Fringe people. Barely 10 days left! Better make the most of it while you still can. Here are some reviews to help guide your 11th hour show choices.

Fin
Tuxedo Cat, Mon Feb 21
Do you find yourself sitting at home, playing Little Big Planet and thinking, “Well, this is alright, but it sure does lack a certain gritty realism. Plus, that Sack Boy should really harden the fuck up.”? Then it’s time to put down the controller and venture through the dilapidated halls of Tuxedo Cat, to the garbage wonderland of Fin. Instead of Cheshire Cats and Mad Hatters, you’ll encounter syringe-flies, condom slugs and a plague of tampon mice; and meet Fin, a tuna can/rubber glove creation who loves nothing more than smothering his steely face in wine-soaked tampons (stay with me, people). Watch as Fin struggles with seesaws, engages in peculiar puppet sex and gleefully smashes as many things as possible with his metallic noggin. Bizarre, endearing and surprisingly emotional, Fin brings a whole new depth to the concept of recycling.

Final word: Genius
Jacquie Lee

Best Of The Fest Late Show
The Governor Hindmarsh, Fri Mar 25
The late night comedy shows are always a hit and miss affair, but chances are you are going to see some snippets of world class comedy for bugger-all money. One of the real standouts on this Friday night was the host Lindsay Webb, the QLDer hysterical to the point I’ve actually bought tickets – yes, bought tickets - to his solo show, so let’s just hope he doesn’t need a lie down during that. The other standout was Glasgow native Janey Godley, whose excessive use of the word cunt and pimping of her daughter to the crowd had me doubled over, sweating and rocking - kind of like Bali belly, but laughter inspired. Closer Tommy Little was rock solid, providing a little humour for the late night stoner crew, while the only real disappointment was UK opener John Robins, who lost the crowd early (he assured us it was due to him using new material, however I never believe a desperate comedian).

Final word: Rollicking
Shane Scott

Best Of The Fest Late Show continues at the Governor Hindmarsh until Sat Mar 12 (Fridays and Saturdays only).

Vika & Linda
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Spiegeltent, Sat Feb 19
Vika and Linda have been surrounded by music since the womb. Individually blessed with astonishing precise yet natural musical phrasing, Vika and Linda together blend as one, and send shivers down the spine. Tight harmonies, impeccable timing and effortless glissandos allow every song a sense of space and depth. Vika’s delivery is utterly centred and driving – music clearly pulses through her veins. Her commanding and penetrating vocal often soars above, perfectly complementing Linda’s somewhat sweeter, mellower tone.

Standout selections include songs from The Staple Singers, the original penned Honey Bee and Paul Kelly’s Be Careful What You Pray For, with driving bass and gorgeous guitar provided by Ash Naylor and Ben Edgar. These women cannot be given high enough props. Simple choreographed hand-clapping, powerhouse vocals and the most charming stories of home life and growing up together in Tonga make Vika and Linda’s performances completely accessible, and a total privilege to witness.

Final Word: Mesmerising!
Jenna Bonavita

Sex And Crime With Fräulein Antje
La Boheme, Thu Feb 24
If you are attracted to the dark side or have an errant lover in the crosshairs of your revengeful intent, then Fräulein Antje is the woman for you. Songs ranging from Cole Porter through to Weill & Brecht and folk to contemporary numbers exhibit Antje Guenther’s versatile vocal range and inspired delivery. Her acting skills come to the fore in both the intense drama of the songs and the stories interspersed between them. Employing psychology, social observation, good old-fashioned bad behaviour and some naïve yet earthy sensuality, Fräulein Antje explores the inextinguishable human urge to live through loss by exacting revenge. Whether victim, instigator driven by guilt or caught up in ridiculous comedic scenarios, Antje’s characters leave a trail of blood and bodies. Chris Thomas on piano, seemingly undistracted by the surrounding lyrical carnage, plays up a storm, with a powerful rhythmic core encircled by lively melodic lines.

Final Word: Intoxicating.
Ian Newton & Kate Battersby

Sex And Crime With Fräulein Antje continues at La Boheme until Thu Mar 10.

A House Of Cards
Excess Theatre @ Gluttony, Fri Feb 25
For a student debut this wasn’t bad, although the production’s amateur nature was evident throughout the four individual pieces tied together flimsily by (hand-drawn) suits of cards. Hearts, the opener, was the highlight with its comically inept hit-men; Clubs was a Lewis Carroll-esque exploration of the oft-dark nature of friendship. Diamonds, focussing on a disturbed couple, was the weakest suit; Spades was a risk, featuring an amateur troupe getting their lines wrong: at first the fluffs seemed cringingly genuine, but the gamble paid off in a surprisingly funny way. The Splashes, our eight-strong troupe, held a mixed hand of acting and accent abilities but were well supported by a charming keyboardist, and a fair crowd. The house of cards didn’t collapse, and though at times it teetered – particularly with noise from the adjacent road and tent – the foundations were sturdy enough to provide enough promise for the future.

Final Word: Twist.
Jenny Roesler

The Departure
AC Arts – Stables, Fri Feb 25
Overwhelmed with love, lust and each other, these cheeky, flirtatious talented actors (Nick Martin and Shannon Mackowski) demand our attention from the frenetic opening acts, through their descent into the despair of love lost (a work showing the opposite direction of the normal love story). Pablo Neruda’s poem is far more than spoken word, it is alive on the stage. The body language is superb, the pair blend together as one and then a great chasm splits them apart. Accusations - “You sank everything!” - mixed with regret for what was. The language is lyrical and mingles with the music that in itself was amazing (an original score by Mina Zhang). Jenn Havelburg’s direction and the shows staging and choreography have done a wonderful justice to Pablo Neruda’s most famous poem. Recommended for all; a must see for all poets and wordsmiths!

Final Word: Compelling
Clayton Werner

The Departure continues at AC Arts – Stables until Sat Mar 5.

The Journey Home – An Interplanetary Guide To The Solar System In 3D
3D Visilab - University Of Adelaide, Fri Feb 25
With such an impressive title, I was hoping for something special. A magical 50-minute journey through our solar system, accompanied by classical music and experienced from the vantage point of a comfy seat in a modern, cool theatrette.

Not so. Thirty punters were shoehorned into the room, the seats were metal, and the floor was flat - the only clear views were from the front row. The first half of the show is a ‘Solar System 101’ lecture given over 3D images of the planets, followed by a break for questions. The climax is a 20-minute 3D ride, but I could only see half of the screen due to the man-mountain who’d sat in front of me. We were 10 minutes late in starting and 15 minutes late in finishing.

This is the kind of science lesson you’d forfeit in exchange for an extra game of pool at the bar…

Final Word: Educational
David Robinson

The Journey Home – An Interplanetary Guide to the Solar System In 3D continues at 3D Visilab until Thu Mar 10.

Magichour
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Fri Feb 25
“We just wanted to make a really quiet record,” the singer said during the show in reference to their recent recording. And that’s what they delivered at the Wheatsheaf – an hour of mostly quiet gentle music. Anyone anywhere who performs an hour of original music deserves to be commended. There were some nice lead breaks from guitarist and co-writer, Ian Housten-Shadwell, and some subtle percussion and back-up vocals from the drummer, but overall this pleasant performance lacked conviction and commitment.

Final Word: Harmless.
Michael Coghlan

Santoni Cabaretoni
The Tuxedo Cat – Red Room, Fri Feb 25
Advertised as a ‘slapdash comedy party’ featuring some of the ‘weirdest comedians, clowns, characters and mischief-makers’ for only $5, do not expect anything spectacular. Dr Brown, apparently a cult favourite, emceed the night with few words in a peculiar fashion, introducing various uncanny characters who are predominantly performing at the Tuxedo Cat. Some of these bizarre characters were fascinating and amusing, but the performance would be more appetising if it was emceed by a superior comedian. There were some friends and fellow performers with the giggles that seemed to be enjoying the show a bit too much, but the rest of the audience appeared perplexed, uninterested and looking forward to the end. The fact that it was uncomfortably steaming hot inside the room did not help either. There are better late night comedies at Rhino Room and The Garden Of Unearthly Delights.

Final Word: WTF?
Bobby Goudie

Santoni Cabaretoni continues at The Tuxedo Cat – Red Room until Sun Mar 13.

Synchronicity – The Australian Police Tribute Show
The Light Hotel, Fri Feb 25
Unlike other tribute bands, the Synchronicity Police make no attempt to look like their idols or emulate any onstage theatrics. This ain’t a cabaret show. This is the music of The Police loudly and lovingly recreated as you might have heard it in the pub or on the concert stage. All the hits are there, and it’s a surprise to be reminded how many hits there were. Playing to a few less people than the real Police, this trio nevertheless spare no effort in churning out two solid hours of music to an appreciative audience. Ultimately it all works because singer Corey Stewart’s voice is up to the job, even if he doesn’t look remotely like Sting. If you love The Police, you’ll get your kicks by checking out the Synchronicity Police when next they appear. If you hate the Police, you were never gonna be there.

Final Word: De-do-do-do-de-da-da-da
Adrian Miller

Beauty And The Beast
The Garage International @ NACC, Fri Feb 25
As soon as you enter Shakti’s space you will be engrossed by Beauty And The Beast. The complete opposite from the Disney version, this contemporary dance is engaging, exciting and powerful. This is not a show for everyone, due to the nudity, raw sexuality and liberating nature, but perfect if you are seeking time away from generic stand-up comedians. Shakti and her three unconventional supporting dancers perform imaginative choreography, with elements of Japanese, Indian and Western culture. We witness the beast within Shakti get the call to be freed, although to begin with the beast is restricted through internal and external limitations. Her body is later purified and then inevitably the beast is freed and comes out in all its glory. The lighting by Jorg Hacker and music by Steven and Arban Severin complement and add intensity to Shakti’s performance. Sometimes confronting, sometimes bizarre, but always captivating! Highly recommended.

Final Word: Fierce!
Bobby Goudie

Las Dos Fridas
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Bosco Theater, Fri Feb 25
Moving around the amphitheatre, communicating on a level where movement and symbolism speak to our subconscious, Meiwah Williams takes us through a door into a dreamlike state. Our senses are heightened, stretched and pulled as this accomplished dancer and aerial acrobat reinterprets the beautiful, imaginative, empathetic revolutionary passion of celebrated Mexican painter, the late Frida Kahlo. Like a mystical invocation to ride the life force, the production is at once both darkly serious and celebratory (though never morbid) as it traverses time, life and death.

With an original score from Ben Walsh and Maja Petrovna and a single haunting live solo by an anonymous singer, this piece works on more levels than simply choreographic, taking full advantage of the Bosco’s geometry and employing creative lighting for alluring, eye-bending effects. Meiwah Williams, in total control of her body, was captivating. The audience, breathing and gasping as one, was totally seduced.

Final Word: Hypnotic
Ian Newton

Las Dos Fridas continues at Bosco Theater until Sun Mar 13.

The Importance Of Being Earnest    
Flinders Street Baptist Church, Fri Feb 25
It’s all in a name for the Adelaide University Fringe Club as they tackle Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of errors. Taking place in the somewhat Spartan surrounding of the Flinders Street Baptist Church, The Importance Of Being Earnest follows two English gents as they use the pseudonym of Earnest Worthing to pursue their own agenda. Naturally hijinks ensue, especially when their ladies of choice both fall for ‘Earnest’. As a whole the acting was up to scratch although admittedly, some of the over-exaggerated accents did become grating after a while. Standouts of the night were Joshua Kapitza and Sophia Bubner as Algernon and Cecily respectively, hitting exactly the right note between acknowledging their characters playfulness and overstating it. The play kept a rollicking pace, especially considering the unrelenting Wilde dialogue, and the group do a creditable job tackling the constant witticisms with only a few minor stumbles.

Final Word: Overearnest
Nikki Mott

Pieces Of Mind
The Science Exchange – Tower Room, Fri Feb 25
Simon Taylor guides an exploration into the mind. Although he makes it very clear that this is not mind reading, it does appear that way at times. Primarily Taylor reads body language and shows the audience how to do the same; secondarily he uses tricks to manipulate participants to do what he wants them to. Then there are a few ‘wow’ moments where you simply cannot work out how he’s done what he’s done. Along the way Taylor divulges some interesting facts he learnt from his psychology studies about the uniformity of human behaviour across the races. An enjoyable hour where mysteries may not be solved, but they are somewhat explained. I left feeling like I’d learned something, not the least of which is how predictable I am! Take friends and family, as it’s a great evening out.

Final Word: Fascinating
Bridie Longhorn

Pieces Of Mind continues at The Science Exchange – Tower Room until Sat Mar 12.

Tipsy…Who Was The Queen Of The Blues?
The Promethean, Fri Feb 25
On walking into the venue to a stage filled with some of Adelaide’s finest musicians I knew I was in for a great night. The Promethean set the scene for a full night of entertainment. The lighting, art deco décor and old world charm was delightful.

Persia Brokensha sang us the blues, her rich voice and stage presence held you in her magic as she took you on her unique and beautiful vocal journey. She shared the stories of the women who sang the blues and the men who wrote them. The intimacy of the venue, Persia and the band took you back to a bygone era, where the steaming blues soothed your soul.

The musicianship was just phenomenal. The pianist’s fast and furious fingers mirrored his expertise in the reflection of the piano, dynamic double bass, saxophone and guitar made a first class night.

Final Word: Steamy
Edel Perth & Kathryn Barclay

Tipsy…Who Was The Queen Of The Blues? continues at The Promethean until Sat Mar 6.

Francesca Martinez – What The Fuck Is Normal?!!
Saldechin, Fri Feb 25
What is PC when attempting to review a comedian with CP? Who knows? Who cares? Just one hour with Francesca Martinez and all your perceptions of what it means to be normal are neatly – and permanently – changed. This self-described ‘wobbly’ comedian very deftly holds up those old stereotypes only to break them down with her quick wit and rapid-fire delivery. Besides sharing a wealth of funny-as-hell anecdotes and jokes about her own experiences of attempting to be ‘normal’ (yes, high school girls are bitches, but who’s laughing now?), Martinez peppers her show with some really wonderful poetry, sharing her warmth and talent with an already admiring crowd. She is a complete riot and very engaging, her humour so genuine that she can even make dropping the ‘C’ word seem completely okay! Great show - and if you haven’t checked in there yet, Saldechin is a seriously awesome venue.

Final Word: Appealing
Rosie van Heerde

Francesca Martinez continues at Saldechin until Sun Mar 13.

Eagle & The Worm
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Spiegeltent, Fri Feb 25
Eagle & The Worm are a Triple J Unearthed band, performed at this year’s Big Day Out and apparently sounded pretty good on The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Bandstand on Saturday, however I’m afraid The Spiegeltent on Friday night was not the place for Eagle & The Worm. With five of the six band members competing for front of stage, and various band members requesting their mics be turned up throughout the first half of the show, it was hard not to think they were competing for stage and sound rather than playing as one band. It was in their final number that their enthusiasm melded. They relaxed and jammed to their upbeat song and had audience members, including many die-hard fans, dancing up a storm. Not for half of the audience who left during the show, but certainly for some.

Final Word: Yikes!
Sheree Hyde

Mr Fibby
The Bally @ Gluttony, Sat 26 Feb
Hailing from a dark and mysterious place called Canberra, so they know how to dress badly, four scarecrow people take to the stage to present an hour of Mr Fibby music. There are three musicians playing guitar, violin and cello, in a ragtag Gypsy style, and a storyteller known only as Not Important who oversees proceedings. There is, perhaps thankfully, no singing. There are some quite lovely instrumental pieces. Mostly the music plays in the background while our storyteller narrates strange and beguiling tales in a thick accent that are a strange mixture of fantasy and nonsense. With only two shows in a small tent, there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for Mr Fibby to make their presence felt in Adelaide. They deserve better and hopefully they will return. In the meantime there is an example of one of the stories from the show at <www.mrfibby.com/html/video.html>.

Final Word: Original
Adrian Miller

Nuclear Family – By Desiree Gezentsvey
Nexus Gallery, Lion Arts Centre, Sat Feb 26
Eleven immigrants head to New Zealand for a better life. They discover that while the grass - and politics - may be much greener there, they will always be caught in a heart-wrenching two-man’s land of wanting to both stay and go as reality hits home, abroad. The diverse group, each embodied by the talented Yael Gezentsvey, further realise New Zealand has its own problems, despite any marketing or dreaming to the contrary. Nuclear Family is a sympathetic portrayal of the difficulties and joys all immigrants face: maintaining customs while trying to identify as a local and risking rejection for so doing – ultimately, everything is a compromise. A deft script would have benefited from lingering longer on each scene; even the lighting technician was confused by the rapid changes. A small quibble though, for this was a fine all-round performance – tender, humorous, realistic – certainly deserving of the audience’s sustained applause.

Final Word: Multidimensional
Jenny Roesler

Nuclear Family continues at Nexus Gallery until Tue Mar 8.

Patrick Monahan – Stories And Tales For Kids Who Can Run Faster Than Snails
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Bosco Theater, Sat Feb 26
Irish/Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan certainly knows how to entertain a crowd of all ages. From the onset he had the entire audience clapping and dancing in unison. In fact, the entire show included pretty much everyone, especially the willing children who loved the idea of being on stage with him. Monahan tells the story of a shepherd and his sheep crossing the deadly Gulf Of Persia way back in the day when the only thing that flew through the air were cats being thrown!

With the aid of some simple drawings on a projector screen, some uncomplicated props, a touch of up-close-and-personal involvement from the audience and a whole lot of silliness, we laughed through the whole performance. Monahan is animated, has a natural rapport with kids of all ages, a welcoming stage presence and a fairly decent-sized funny bone. Amusing storytelling; great show!

Final Word: Playful
Catherine Blanch

Patrick Monahan continues at Bosco Theater until Sun Mar 13.

Freewheelin’ – A Tribute To Bob Dylan
The Promethean, Sat Feb 26
The first set has 25-year-old Tara Carragher playing solo acoustic versions of songs from what feels like the ‘sacred canon’ of Dylan’s early work. She is joined on stage for the second set by a first-rate band in a show that is all class. Carragher does a fine job of interpreting and delivering Dylan’s songs. Why did she take on the task of a Dylan tribute show? Because “he meant everything he wrote”, she told us. And she clearly means what she sings. There is something immensely satisfying about listening to a group of Gen X/Y musicians deliver new renditions of famous songs to a much older audience that grew up with those songs. I found the whole experience quite emotional – because the songs are great, they are beautifully arranged, played and sung, and the baton is being passed on to a new generation; as it should be. Great stuff.

Final Word: Moving
Michael Coghlan

Freewheelin’ – A Tribute To Bob Dylan performs at the Promethean until Sat Mar 12.

Bubblewrap And Boxes
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Bosco Theater, Sat Feb 26
What a sweet show. A fortress made of boxes that the clown duo popped in and out of were great tools for their clever antics and silly acrobatics. Just as entertaining for the parents, the kids giggled and laughed at the pair in the way that kids like to do. The only words spoken were read from postcards that set each scene; it was those same postcards that took them to places around the world like Paris, Hollywood and Rome.

The girl is adventurous and cheeky while the boy is nervous with a touch of OCD; together they played off each other with fabulous expressions and agile acrobatics. A great show for the imagination and a reminder that we can all come out of our shells with a little help from friends. Ultimately, I just want to run through a field of bubblewrap for the sheer childlike fun of it.

Final Word: Bubblicious!
Catherine Blanch

Bubblewrap And Boxes continues at Bosco Theater until Sun Mar 13. 

SoV
Nexus Cabaret – Lion Arts Centre, Sat Feb 26
This hour of wonderful music is based around a traditional multi-stringed Ukrainian instrument called the bandura. It sounds very much like the African chora and lends itself to music that is mostly joyous and uplifting – save for the token segment dedicated to ‘European angst’. The bandura and some fabulous percussion are complemented by guitars and violin in a blend that ensures that the traditional feel does not get swamped – a common sad consequence of combining old and new musical traditions. Most of the pieces are instrumental adaptations of existing Ukrainian folk songs, but the set also included vibrant original compositions. There’s a great chemistry between the players who clearly enjoy the music they play, and being on stage with each other. A lovely little precursor to WOMADelaide; these guys aren’t on the WOMAD bill but they should be.

Final Word: Uplifting
Michael Coghlan

SoV performs at Nexus Cabaret until Sun Mar 6.

A Modest Exhibit – Charles Sanders
Arcade Lane - Regent One, Sat Feb 26
Charles Sanders and his musical director, Carol Young, have certainly hit the spot with this production. It has all the elements necessary to mesmerise an audience. With on-stage costume changes, great use of the performance space, replete with dance moves and his wonderful soaring voice – Charles takes us through the story of his life to this point – that’s right folks, autobiography as cabaret! From quiet introspection and raging identity crises to confidence and just being out there, from a child's part in The Pirate’s Of Penzance to the dialogue with his various muses along the way. You will love his song choice and the way each song is presented. Highlights were his channelling of Cher and Freddie Mercury. You’ll be clapping and singing along in parts and hang on in there for a very special ending!

Final Word: Journey
Clayton Werner

Taking The Piss
Worldsend Hotel – Beer Garden, Sat Feb 26
Adelaide’s established and emerging comedians are provided with a podium at the Worldsend Hotel for the third time lucky at this year’s Fringe Festival. Emceed by Darren Brinkworth in simple deadpan style, all eight diverse comedians got some laughs, especially those more experienced and comfortable onstage. Rob Hannam appeared to be the audience favourite for the night, joking about excess hair, his interpretation of romance and I think one of the audience members may have actually pissed his pants when Hannam reminisced about his teenage wanking days. Rob Wright brought some musical flavour to the night with his pink Hello Kitty guitar, hilariously representing the white middle class and performing songs written to cover up housemates having sex. Younger comedians Tom Murphy, Aaron Nobes and Michael Princi all showed promise. With over 20 local comedians on the list, audiences will get have a different experience every night.

Final Word: LOL!
Bobby Goudie

Taking The Piss continues at the Worldsend Hotel – Beer Garden until Sat Mar 12.

American Poodle
Royalty Theatre, Sat Feb 26
The first instalment of American Poodle, entitled Snowball, provides a largely British account of the formative years of the USA, up until the time of the 1770 Declaration Of Independence. Writer Guy Masterson is very entertaining as he manages to move effortlessly through a range of roles, proving highly amusing as mad King George, amongst others.

The second episode, Splayfoot, leaves me wondering. Masterson’s portrayal of the brash American is spot-on, but I’m not sure what writer Brian Parks is attempting here. Is this chap supposed to be one of those people we all know, basing their opinions and judgements on feeble, lazy generalisations (and is therefore worthy of our derision), or is he simply being used as an opportunity to tell stand-up jokes about the English? I found the humour a little hit and miss; the ‘knowing’ laughs and exaggerated guffaws struck me more as affectation than anything genuine.

Final Word: Two-halves
David Robinson

Goering’s Defence
Royalty Theatre, Sat Feb 26
Hermann Goering, alone in his cell, accepts that these are his final moments. The victors have brought down the ultimate judgement upon the highly-ranked Nazi. Goering tells his story…

Ross Gurney-Randall, brilliant in Mussolini – A One Man Political Farce, gives an altogether different, but no less absorbing, performance as the doomed creator of the death camps. His Goering, some of whose words come straight from Nuremburg transcripts, is unapologetic for any of his crimes, citing truth as the best, and only, defence. His logic borders on the cynical. He is believable – the audience is almost brought around to his way of thinking. Almost. Surely it is only the magnitude of the crime that prevents us from being won over.

This production, brilliantly written by Gurney-Randall and the play’s director Guy Masterson, provides a gripping, disturbing and convincing account of how unshakeable belief can override any sense of morality.

Final Word: Sharp
David Robinson

Candy Royalle: Love Spectacular
Cuckoo Bar, Sat Feb 26
This show is mesmerising. Upon reading the title Love Spectacular, my sinking heart conjured up such terribly sugary songs that I’d be forced to floss upon leaving, but this was not to be. Instead, the dark Candy entranced her audience with stormy poems of near-tribal love, seduction, animalistic desire, tamed sexuality and suppressed longing.

She has a warm humanity which she was happy to reveal between each dark performance; however her happy ease did seem a little disjointed when matched with the heaviness of the worlds we’d just glimpsed.

Anyone who has been in love will recognise, nay, relive, themes including the pain of break-ups and the startling realisation of humanity’s mutual connectedness. They may find themselves leaving with her sometimes-disturbing tales looping like her sound effects, perhaps just a little longer than they’d choose for them to. Herein lies Candy’s confrontational cleverness.

Final word: Spellbinding
Jenny Smith

Candy Royalle: Love Spectacular performs at Cuckoo Bar until Sat Mar 5.

Noko: Hypercube 210
Mercury Cinema, Sat Feb 26
Set in the darkness of the compact Iris Room at the Mercury Cinema, Noko: Hypercube 210 is a rambling journey of video and sound exploring Enochian concepts and symbols.

Both real time and filmed video was used to present images of occult and conceptual art mixed with live performance. Particularly effective were the distorted images of the artists superimposed on other, more abstract, alien landscapes creating a truly ethereal composition. Combining with this, layer upon layer of sounds including elements of throat singing and tribal chanting took us to a hypnotic place.

The crowd was transfixed as Michael Strum on video and Scott Barnes on sound worked together with occult artist and vocalist Barry Hale to build a complex brooding and experimental piece of art.

Final Word: Creative
Kris Neilson & Jim Hilditch

A Little Perspective With Imaan
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Spare Room, Sat Feb 26
Supported by a number of short film excerpts shot on the streets of Melbourne, Imaan Hadatchi very quickly lets his audience know exactly how it feels to be the object of ignorant fascination. He is careful to acknowledge that people don’t intend to be hurtful or stupid, but human nature is what it is – thoughtlessly insensitive and very funny when seen through Imaan’s eyes. Neither the heat nor the late start seemed to matter as the audience lapped up the cheeky jokes and appealing wit of this diminutive performer. Imaan was screamingly funny at times, mainly because his humour comes directly from his experiences with people just like us. In laughing at the idiocy of others, we hold up a mirror to ourselves. Good stuff.

Final Word: Mischievous
Rosie van Heerde

A Little Perspective With Imaan continues at The Spare Room until Sun Mar 13.

Mr Badger Tells The Story Of The Wind In The Willows
Adelaide Botanic Garden, Sun Feb 27
The Wind In The Willows was first published in 1908. Over 100 years later and it remains one of the most recognisable classic children’s stories. Chris John of Splash Theatre Company does a marvellous job of playing Mr Badger the narrator. In the serene setting of the Botanic Gardens, children and parents alike sat on rugs and chairs as they intently watched Mr Badger open his old-style travel suitcase to reveal many drawers which held small boxes of hand-drawn scenes and animal creatures: Grand Toad Manor, Mr Badger’s underground home, Mr Mole, ‘Ratty’ Water Rat, the otters and the weasels, all within The Wild Wood.

Mr Badger, in his British accent, kept kids involved by asking them questions and had them quacking and waddling like ducks and they sang and danced. It’s nice to see, within this world of high technology, that the art of storytelling can still interest and entertain kids.

Final Word: Engaging
Catherine Blanch

Mr Badger Tells The Story Of The Wind In The Willows performs at Adelaide Botanic Garden until Fri Mar 4, then Santos Conservation Centre – Adelaide Zoo until Sun Mar 6. 

The Magic Hat (Based On The Book By Mem Fox)
Holden Street Theatres – The Studio, Sat Feb 27
Drop Bear Theatre company have come up with an unusual and totally interesting way of telling the short story of Mem Fox’s The Magic Hat: tell it four times and in four different styles, each just as entertaining as the one before.

The first was clever shadow puppetry projected onto the front screen of the large rectangle performance tent in the middle of The Studio floor. The kids were hysterical. It was obvious that the majority of the full house knew the story because they recited the lines along with the two clown-like women, Ali Gordon and Carolyn Ramsey.

The second version saw them acting it out as the third ‘clown’ (Scott Gillespie) played guitar and the girls sang. The third had sound effects, one person acting to the voice of the other, and the final rendition was told with drums and dance! Completely enjoyable right to “The End”! Great work!

Final Word: Delightful
Catherine Blanch

Take Me Back To Paris
Nexus Cabaret – Lion Arts Centre, Sun Feb 27
It was a surprise to emerge into the sunshine near the Torrens instead of stumbling out for a starry-skied stroll on the Seine after Lou Blackwell had taken us all back to Paris. Ms Blackwell’s smooth and strong voice – backed by a skilled offering of double bass, drums and keyboard – drew constant whoops from a sell-out audience for one spellbinding hour of song and stories of a decade in the decadent city. Upbeat numbers such as It Shouldn’t Happen To A Dream and So What? were clear favourites, while more explanations of the songs sung in French would have helped. Aesthetically, the candle-lit venue added exquisite ambience to the staging, although Ms Blackwell’s studded black leather dress was distractingly more rock chick than Paris chic. Yet a standing ovation told how we had been seduced by a show sans pareil: Paris, tout c’est parfait.

Final Word: Encore!
Jenny Roesler

Take Me Back to Paris continues at Nexus Cabaret until Tue Mar 3.

Tape
Directors Hotel, Sun Feb 27
Vince, a drug dealer (offensive, obsessive, controlling and well played by Nick Fagan) and John, a breaking-through film-maker and high school friend (played by Aaron MacDonald) meet in Vince’s hotel room. The first half of the play is Vince’s pure simmering resentment. Then their ex-girlfriend Amy, now an assistant DA (Jasmine Bates) enters. The situation has been aggressively set-up by Vince. But by the end of the play, Amy has effectively taken control and put the boys both in their place. Excessive swearing and aggressive behaviour may be part of the characters personas, but it is impossible to feel much empathy for them, perhaps less so for Amy. The set is simple and effective, technically it all works and the accents are true to the original (ie American). Here is a new theatre group putting an edgy show out there – they deserve your audience.

Final Word: Loaded
Clayton Werner

Tape continues at Directors Hotel until Tue Mar 8.

Stephen Cummings - Autism As A Metaphor
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Deluxe, Sun Feb 27
Stephen Cummings, almost anonymously, shuffles onto the stage. The audience eventually realises that the show is underway and greets their man with warm applause. Cummings opens with Sweet Saturday from the Firecracker album. It takes him a little while to get into the groove, but once his voice finds its way nothing much else matters.

The hour is filled with Cummings’ shambolic, yet charming, repartee, interrupted by the odd song. In fairness, we get nine songs, the highlights being Fell From A Great Height and When Love Comes Back To Haunt You. He has a few attempts at How Come but the chords largely elude him. Most people don’t care; after all, we’re having fun. Aren’t we? The crowd are definitely in the Cummings camp and all, bar one curmudgeonly soul, accept the occasional song breakdown.

Stephen Cummings is a great singer and seems a nice fellow. What else matters?

Final Word: Goodsport
David Robinson

Paper Cranes And Diamonds
Adelaide Town Hall – The Prince Alfred Room, Sun Feb 27
Ichabod’s Crane are a three-piece band from Brisbane with a new CD; the Adelaide Fringe was their first interstate foray. Entering a rather swish room at the Adelaide Town Hall to see cello set-up as part of the three-piece? Mmmm… this gig might be something a little unusual. A guitar, a keyboard and a drum kit are also ready to go. Then in the first track there’s a whole soundscape going on - where is it coming from? It slowly dawns: not only a very well played cello, but it’s on a loop pedal too – it sounds fantastic! The girls have a few songs that haven’t quite permeated the full band, but the set works very sweetly. The vocals could have been a little more prominent in the mix (it’s better on the CD). I’ll be going out to see Ichabod’s Crane when they next visit Adelaide.

Final Word: Looped
Clayton Werner

Cellar Door Wine Festival – Adelaide
Adelaide Convention Centre, Sun Feb 27
There’s nothing like driving around our wine regions and stopping in at cellar doors along the way to taste the sensational wines this state produces. Welcome to the Cellar Door Wine Festival, where leaving the car home is much more practical and the cellar doors come to you! It’s a brilliant compromise, and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting some of my old favourites and finding some new ones. The entry fee of $20 includes a wine glass, a token to buy a full glass of your favourite and all the tastings. Master classes were offered at extra cost, and food was available to buy. Very little food was available for tasting, which is important in an environment like this as food should be available to cleanse the palate. Being the first of its kind, the crowd was small, but there is potential for it to become a fantastic event!

Final Word: Promising
Bridie Longhorn

Tom Binns – Ian D Montfort: Spirit Medium
Carry On Theatre @ Gluttony, Sun Feb 27
“I touch hearts. I touch minds. I touch dead people!” Tom Binns as the pseudo-psychic Ian D Montfort: Spirit Medium is the epitome of every shonky ‘medium’ out there – just a whole lot funnier! His truth is that unless you come from a long line of immortals, someone close to you or in your family has passed over.

He only channels dead celebrities; Hitler dropped in to say hi, Elvis loves your muffins and it was only after choosing another vowel did we realise that Adriana Xenides popped in as well. He’ll see your aura, tell you your colour and pick you brains just a little. I was just relieved to know that neutered dogs get their knackers back in the spirit world.

Montfort did amaze us with a few cool ‘tricks’, but it’s all just in good fun… lots of good fun! Step aside John Edward – the jig is up!

Final Word: Para(ab)normal
Catherine Blanch

Tom Binns – Ian D Montfort performs at Carry On Theatre @ Gluttony until Sat Mar 12.

Guy Pratt’s Wake Up Call
Carry On Theatre @ Gluttony, Sun Feb 27
One-time Pink Floyd bass player Guy Pratt has gathered a wealth of knowledge (what he remembers anyway) and has taken off down a different road to share his stories with Fringe comedy-goers. Having spent two decades performing with rock bands, gigs most nights, in and out of hotels, the mini bars, drinking yourself into a stupor and seeing others on the same merry-go-round, Guy Pratt has a plethora of tales to tell – and a few insider secrets of other musicians – about the dark side of the touring world and the wake-up call they all get eventually.

An engaging storyteller, the recollections Pratt shares range from funny to O-mazing, outrageous to unbelievable. But when he picks up that bass, it’s symbiosis at its best. A moderate Sunday crowd in comparison to the previous night’s full house still made for a great gig! Rock on!

Final Word: Legendary!
Catherine Blanch

Guy Pratt’s Wake Up Call performs at Carry On Theatre @ Gluttony until Sat Mar 12.

RA - Live At Adelaide Planetarium
Adelaide Planetarium, Sun Feb 27
Sacred Resonance (Darren Curtis & Bradley Pitt) use computer graphics combined with multi-layered sound to create an audiovisual experience unlike any other. The house lights going down in the cool calm of the Planetarium was a perfect contrast to a hot Adelaide sun.

The performance was in three movements; in the first, images were displayed simultaneously from three projectors located around the dome. Although intriguing, the effect was lessened as the images were not large enough to be fully immersive. The second movement was more impressive as the images were displayed across the entire roof surface; stars exploded, galaxies collided and giant planets descended to hover over our heads. Other images of elaborate geometric shapes moved slowly and mesmerisingly. The finale was gentler with the southern night sky slowly moving while the music ebbed and flowed.

This hour showed where the intersection of technology, imagination and stargazing can lead.

Final Word: Cosmic
Jim Hilditch

Sammy D Foundation Comedy Gala 2011
The Capri Theatre, Sun Feb 27
Hosted by the outlandish Damian Callinan, the Sammy D Foundation Comedy Gala 2011 was a great taste of this year’s Adelaide Fringe. Brought to the stage was a feast of comedic talent including new local talent such as the refreshing and hilarious Moataz, Aussie regulars including Fiona O’Loughlin and international favourite Arj Barker. With only one cringe-worthy act, this plethora of comedic talent provided an enjoyable afternoon outing. The highlights for me were Damian Callinan’s relaxed yet masterful hosting and dancing skills, Michael Bowley’s anti-mime stance, Smart Casual’s cool calm musical humour, Moataz telling it how he sees it, Tommy Little, Mark Trenwith and Sammy J minus Randy – they were all fantastic. The one huge standout for all was the ever-so-clever and up-to-date Tom Gleeson, who had us in tears from the moment he started talking. Looks like I’ll be booking a few more Fringe shows today.

Final Word: LOL!!
Sheree Hyde

Past Fringe Wraps

Mon Feb 28
Fri Feb 25
Thu Feb 24
Tue Feb 22
Mon Feb 21
Fri Feb 18
Mon Feb 14

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