Fringe Wrap: Wed Feb 24

Feeling lost in everything that's going on? Well that's what we're here for. Find out the very best in all things Fringe Festival with this not-so-bite-sized slab of reviews for you to digest.

And The Little One Said
Le Cascadeur, Mon Feb 22

One minute childlike and carefree, the next - dark and troubled. A child of her times, Jess Love uses her acrobatic and comedic skills to create a showcase of carefree rolling, hula-hoops, tap dancing, skipping and a brand new pair of roller-skates. The darkness intrudes into her world, and the show is interspersed with harmful smoking (very funny sketch), a hammer and nail segment (I couldn’t look), and a broken glass performance (incredible). Gorgeous and clever, beguiling and confronting. The venue makes viewing her floor work a challenge - and it is definitely worth seeing - so pick a seat down the front. Oh, and buy something at intermission!
Final Word: Wild!
Karen Bailey

And The Little One Said, continues at Le Cascadeur until Sun Feb 28

Final Round
Jah’z Lounge, Thu Feb 18

A simple set and just three characters, belies the challenge that the writer, Ross Barrett, has set himself. In the stress of a hospital ward, Dave (who is facing terminal illness) and Sol (a young bloke with a mangled knee) spar, and not just verbally. Nurse Sarah sometimes manages to keep the peace. All three characters are seemingly very different, but everything is not quite as it seems. The human condition is skilfully laid bare and the play weaves a journey from isolation towards peace and perhaps a little more understanding of our human condition. It may not be the Fringe event to get you into party mode, but it is a very worthwhile and professional piece of fringe theatre.
Final Word: Teleoscopic.
Clayton Werner

Final Round continues at Jah’z Lounge until Sat Mar 6.

Everybody’s Got Something To Hide (Except For Me And My Monkey) – The Lennon and McCartney Song Book
The Spiegeltent, Thu Feb 18

Great twist on a Beatles cover band. Beautiful, hearty entertainers with an eclectic sound. Libby and Melissa are like a white Marcia Hines with wild spikes and curls. An outstanding band with sweet melodies and close to gospel harmonies. Very professional. The beer bottle blowing brought interest to a hoe-down version of Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (shame they weren’t Coopers bottles). The large crowd were mesmerised during an awesome rendition of Oh! Darling, lifting the roof off the Spiegeltent. An exceptional band collaboration with an outstanding operatic piece in Live And Let Die. It’s cabaret, maybe not everyone’s hide-and-seek.
Final Word: Impressive.
Terry Izatt & Karen Bailey

The Dark Party
Bosco Theatre, Thu Feb 18

After making quite an impression last year, The Dirty Brothers Sideshow bring their deranged bag of tricks back for another assault on your senses. The spruiker outside called it a cross between Samuel Beckett and Jackass - an appropriate tag! The theatrics begin from the moment you enter the theatre, as you are handed ping pong balls by one of three particularly ghoulish tramps lurking within. These are soon put to good use! An assortment of outrageous stunts includes an altogether different psycho shower scene - and I don’t think I can order mineral water in a restaurant again. What lifts this show above a roll call of macabre sideshow stunts is the hilariously theatrical way the stunts are weaved into little stories. Don’t take your grandmother – possibly not even your mother!
Final Word: Disturbing!
Adrian Miller

The Dark Party continues at Bosco Theatre until Sat Feb 28.

Mark Trenwith ‘Fun’
Rhino Room - Downstairs, Thu Feb 18

Nice guy. Energetic. Interacts really well with his audience and has put a lot of work into creating multimedia props and assembling a cast of friends to flesh out the show, but the final result is pretty lightweight. A story about creating a fake identity on Facebook was really funny, as was a video promo made for the show, but harmless, nonsensical fun describes much of his humour. If you don’t want to go too deep and aren’t especially looking for any comic insight then you’ll enjoy it. Most of the very young crowd clearly did. The show is aptly named.
Final Word: Puerile.
Michael Coghlan

Mark Trenwith ‘Fun’ continues at Rhino Room until Sat Feb 27.

Little Grey Wolf
Le Cascadeur, Thu Feb 18

A sad and tragic tale of a little girl lost. Yet, it is only to her parents that she is lost. She flees from their controlling hold over her to her only friend - a grey wolf that lives deep within the forest. By telling classical, yet very dark, bedtime stories to the little (puppet) girl, the parents hope to scare her into staying with them; it doesn’t work. The idea is good, and the intent of the two actors is expressed well, but I don’t feel that the story melds as intended. Between scary stories and two screens that show abstract silhouette visions of the parent’s guilt and thoughts, the story is almost lost to the audience until the final moments. Too confusing and dark for children.
Final Word: Disturbing.
Catherine Blanch

Little Grey Wolf continues at Le Cascadeur until Sun Feb 28.

The Grimstones – Hatched
Theater Bosco, Thu Feb 18

The Grimstones – Hatched is a beautiful Gothic fairytale of a grieving widow and her daughter who wants to heal the pain her mother feels for the children she never got to have. Exquisitely-made old-style marionettes, every move perfect to the slightest detail, move between the giant storybooks that open to reveal finely-detailed scenes of the crypt, Grandfather’s magic lab and the mother’s sewing room – each as delicate and exquisite as the marionettes themselves. As ‘descendants’ Gertrude Grimstone (writer and puppet-maker Asphyxia) signs the story in AUSLAN, her sedately-animated sister, August (Paula Dowse), translates this truly heartfelt story of lonely little Martha and the three-legged baby brother that she makes from magic. This is an enchanting story of difference, acceptance and unconditional love, which is absolutely stunning, touching, compassionate and truly endearing.
Final Word: Beautiful!
Catherine Blanch

The Grimstones - Hatched continues at Theater Bosco until Sun Feb 28.

a tiny chorus
The Spare Room, Thu Feb 18

a tiny chorus aims for you to understand that everyone deserves to have a voice in a crazy mixed-up world – no matter how small or insignificant you may feel. Two unlikely clown-like friends, Darren (Emily Tomlins) and Ralph (Eryn-Jean Norvill), search for meaning in life in a child-like slapstick manner. At first, the show is unclear about the message it wishes to send, but as the minutes pass, things become clearer and it’s easy for your affection for these two characters to bloom and grow. Darren is uptight but lovable, Ralph is mostly silent, sweet and animated. Lip reading Ralph is very funny, and the singing jelly is a crack-up. A lovable and endearing show, right down to the cutting of the final straw!
Final Word: Poignant.
Catherine Blanch

a tiny chorus continues at The Spare Room until Sat Mar 13.

Sound & Fury’s Private Dick
Le Cascadeur, Thu Feb 18

Hilarious doesn’t even begin to describe Sound & Fury’s Private Dick. From the moment they enter the stage, the laughs begin. Done in 1940s suspense-styled film noir (complete with voice-overs from the thoughts of private dick Dick Ferganza) the three men of Sound & Fury act and laugh their way through many male and female characters with absolute stylish silliness. From the lovesick Girl Friday Doris, Shylock the bookie, client Robert Bob and the sexy (bearded) mysterious woman Faye K-Name, Private Dick is fuelled by hilariously cheesy metaphors and sexual innuendo. Gangsters, crooked church leaders, the prop whiskey that wasn’t a prop, obvious ad-libbing and singing and dancing, Sound & Fury’s Private Dick is the perfect concoction of suspense, thrills and absolute comic genius. Absolute must see!
Final Word: Uproarious.
Catherine Blanch

Sound & Fury’s Private Dick continues at Le Cascadeur until Sun Feb 28.

Parasouls
The Birdcage, Fri Feb 19

This quirky sideshow alley performance is well worth the time to explore, with the weird twists and dismembered body parts displaying the women’s role from a historical to modern life perspective. The multi media adds extra definition to Parasouls passion - being a women and proud of it! A circus delight that will have you fixated on their gorgeous and awe inspiring bodies as they twist and contort each other through strong themes of female roles and identity. The cultural and feminine stereotypes are explored by very gifted women with power and strength. Knowing their place in the world is a refreshing change, particularly the acrobatic and aerial pieces. Go have drink in this new venue by the River Torrens and say hi to Betty from us!
Final Word: Fabulous.
Edel Perth & Kathryn Barclay

Parasouls continues at The Birdcage until Sun Feb 28.

Amazed – Nicholas Tweedy Is The Reality Bender
Cavern Club, Fri Feb 19

It’s a most unusual and refreshing experience to see a modest magician. Nick can make his own ego disappear at will, though we should be clear that Nick wants to present himself to the audience as a mentalist rather than a magician. Some of his tricks are clearly straight from the magician’s handbook. Others have been re-written to allow the illusion of mind reading and he enjoys playing the ‘sceptic’ up against the ‘believer’. His quite charming story of growing up in Japan and undertaking a 12-year apprenticeship fits his chosen persona. Expect some good card tricks and some spoon bending; believe it you dare. He’s good enough to have you highly amused in any case.
Final Word: Incredulous.
Clayton Werner

Amazed continues at Cavern Club until Sat Mar 13.

Dye Young/Stay Pretty
Tuxedo Cat, Fri Feb 19

Acclaimed actress Beth Medley in an energetic tribute to Blondie’s Debbie Harry. Jill Brown is the pregnant 19-year-old obsessed fan at the centre of this endearing tail. Adrian Berry, writer and director, has a beautifully flowing script filled with sex, drugs and rock and roll, which is brought to life by Medley’s ‘can't look-away’ style and presence. You are taken on a journey from Wolverhampton, UK, to a 1970s New York City, with the goal of meeting Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry. If you like your shows to include a gifted actress and attention holding story, and can handle a little swearing, a little history lesson, and a lot of imagination invoking storytelling, you'll love it.
Final Word: Fabulous!
Bridie Toomer

Dye Young/Stay Pretty continues at Tuxedo Cat until Sun Mar 14.

The Penis Principles
Maxim’s Wine Bar, Fri Feb 19

Three dickheads, Matt (P1), Rohan (P2) and Kim (P3) delivered a risqué, risky floor show chatting and singing about masturbation, homosexuality, size and more. As expected, it was engorged with lots of penis pun humour, yet surprisingly also contained interesting facts and figures. The show promoted prostate cancer awareness, with a sincere plea for all men to look after themselves. Dick humour - does it work? The show was fast-paced, funny at times, clever at times, and interspersed with great tunes. The Penis Song was a very entertaining rap song of penis pseudonyms - now that worked! Giggles galore. The toilet sketch was very funny, exposing men’s embarrassment at the urinals, and introduced the Urinal Protocol. Where would we be without the penis? Definitely not for the kiddies.
Final Word: Lengthy.
Terry Izatt & Karen Bailey

The Penis Principles continues at Maxim’s Wine Bar until Sun Mar 14.

King Lear
Holden St Theatres, Fri Feb 19

So What? Productions is a theatre cooperative formed through the Sydney University Dramatic Society. King Lear, the most powerful of Shakespeare’s tragedies, has clearly been something that this cast has been living and breathing; both have been impacted positively in the process. Lighting and stage are simple; costumes basic; but all are effective and enhance some powerful performances - particularly Lear and his fool, but the whole cast do a great job. Shakespearian English can be a little difficult to our ears; most through this play is clear, although some was a little too fast for me and the acoustics of the theatre are not all that good. A little Shakespeare is good for the soul – here is a good chance to experience Shakespeare both old and new.
Final Word: Epic.
Lauren Werner

King Lear continues at Holden St Theatres until Sun Feb 28.

Scaramouche Jones
Higher Ground, Fri Feb 19

Justin Butcher brings his own creation, Scaramouche Jones, to life in this absorbing 90-minute solo performance. Centenarian Jones, for 50 years a silent clown, shares the story of the first half of his eventful life. Wildly exotic episodes are colourfully recounted. Trinidad, West Africa and Italy serve as locations before the horror of Polish concentration camp life becomes Jones’ reality - all helping to explain why his evolution into clown-mime upon arrival in 1950s London wasn’t a complete accident. The play, under Guy Masterson’s skilful direction, maximises the excellent Butcher’s ability to use his words and movement to paint pictures. Audiences will forget that they are watching just one person. There’s a lot to take in; turn your phone off and keep your ears and mind switched on.
Final Word: Engrossing.
David Robinson

Scaramouche Jones continues at Higher Ground until Sun Mar 14.

Temple Of Venus
Cushdy, Fri Feb 19

Playing with the boundaries between the profane and sacred, the sensuous and provocative, the known and mysterious, Temple Of Venus draws you into a world of blurred, shifting context. Rhythmic, pulsing Egyptian and North African grooves (with Indian and assorted Asian beats as well) alternate between traditional and nightclub. Flavella’s sinewy upper-body strength was impressive, her serpentine finale spectacular; Reshman’s sultry good looks and Bollywood moves provided contrast; petite Dakini’s calm and poise made precision look effortless. Moments of brilliance in costume/lighting design combined with broader imaginative variation to lift the second half. The venue is charming, though we would have enjoyed a little more distance and clearer sightlines for lower-body and floor work.
Final Word: Beguiling.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton

Temple Of Venus continues at Cushdy until Sat Feb 27, then Mount Barker Town Hall and The Deli until Wed Mar 10. 

Jimeoin – Something… Smells Funny
Royalty Theatre, Fri Feb 19

Jimeoin has lived in Australia a long time now, but has retained that outsider’s ability to identify the quirks and mannerisms of Australians and people in general. He masterfully muddles his way through random observations on relationships, sex, cheese, making cups of tea/coffee, audience reactions to comics and bad smells. Something that sets Jimeoin apart is that when he goes for the obvious - bodily functions or sex - it’s done subtly and discreetly. There’s plenty of physical comedy - you’ll have several great eye exercises to try after the show! - and a touch of music. He says he has no message, but Jimeoin has that wonderful gift of reminding us that humour is everywhere. I loved this ‘chirpy version’ of himself. Latecomers beware.
Final Word: Chirpy!
Michael Coghlan

Something… Smells Funny continues at Royalty Theatre until Sun Feb 28.

Storytelling With Jon Bennett
Sugar, Fri Feb 19

More a sit-down than a stand-up comic, Jon Bennett declares that he has no jokes and that he will indeed just tell stories - true stories. Like that wonderful SBS program, Front Up, this show is testament to the fact that all our lives are full of stories that are worth telling, and that can make us laugh and cry. The knack is in the choosing of the detail to share and the timing and weight of events, and Jon Bennett has this knack in spades. A refreshing change to see someone not needing to perform or create an act, but rather just rely on their authentic experience of life to entertain others. Delightful stuff.
Final Word: Relaxed.
Michael Coghlan

Storytelling With Jon Bennett continues at Sugar until Sun Mar 14.

Ivan Brackenbury’s Hospital Radio Roadshow
Bull & Bear, Sat Feb 20

If you are a sensitive person and are easily offended, then this is not the show for you. But, if you want to be cheered up and be entertained for an hour with side-splitting skits then this is the show to see. Hilarious non-stop laughter. Ivan transported the audience to a UK hospital radio show where nobody was safe from his razor sharp, cutting wit and his clever use of matching songs to the skits. This is a laugh-a-minute show and pokes fun at everyone in a hospital setting from pregnant women to epileptics. If I could only see one show at the Fringe this would be it.
Final word: Hilarious.
Graham Dunn

Ivan Brackenbury’s Hospital Radio Roadshow continues at Bull & Bear until Sat Mar 13.

1 Camera
Holden Street Theatres – The Studio, Sat Feb 20

Jean Paul Sartre’s re-badged play, Huit Clos, explores the notion that we are what we do; that there is no human essence to be judged either as heroic or cowardly. Chris Anderson does well as army deserter Garcin, arriving in an unusual representation of Hell. Carla Conlin is convincing as the equally cowardly and bereft-of-conscience Estelle. Kyla Booth is perhaps a little too dramatic as the manipulative, brusque lesbian Inès. Ultimately the three discover that they are to be each other’s eternal tormentors. ‘Hell is other people’. More needs to be done on developing a natural flow to the dialogue. Lighting and sound could have helped to create some atmosphere, especially in the scenes where characters are looking at what they have left behind.
Final Word: Hellavision.
David Robinson

1 Camera continues at Holden Street Theatres until Tue Mar 2.

St Nicholas
Higher Ground, Sat Feb 20

Patrick Connolly is incredibly believable as the unnamed whisky-swigging theatre critic, seemingly redeemed and now telling his tale of love, loss and vampires. He rages, laughs and cries as he empties the bottle of single malt placed upon his desk. The fantastic nature of Conor McPherson’s story belies a deeper examination of the things that affect many of us; manipulation, cynicism, faded hopes, the drudgery of the norm, the allure of the young and beautiful… The simple set serves perfectly as Connolly’s safe haven. Subtle lighting changes and soundscapes add an extra dimension to the powerfully delivered narration. It’s incredible that such a worthy experience was patronised by so few people, while around the corner hundreds were probably guffawing at penis jokes. Go and see this.
Final Word: Spellbinding.
David Robinson

St Nicholas continues at Higher Ground until Sun Mar 7.

Granny Flaps – Opens Up
The Tool Shed, Sat Feb 20

Be warned, this show is not for the faint of heart, nor probably for the younger Fringe goers, as much of the material may be a little too explicit for comfort. If, however, you’ve given birth or at least been there and are comfortable with the idea of a Granny leading us through what is a memoir of her sex life and experiences – in bodily fluid detail - then you are likely to laugh along with Granny and her audience in the tiny (oops, I mean intimate) closet of the Tool Shed. Fans of the ukulele will appreciate just how versatile this instrument can be and give her her due; Granny writes and delivers some pretty amusing and cleverly crafted sexual parodies.
Final Word: Clitoris.
Clayton Werner & Sandy Klose

Granny Flaps – Opens Up continues at The Tool Shed until Thu Mar 11.

Dooda
Tuxedo Cat - Attic, Sat Feb 20

Dooda is a collaboration of three Australian comics presenting as a mixture of very absurdly twisted Australian cabaret segments. Technically, lighting and stage set was adequate, costuming was elaborate and there were some fine speaking and singing voices on display. Eccentric characters ranged from a drunken cabaret ‘has-been’, to a cream tart obsessed ballerina, to the surprising delivery of bottomless coffee whose appendage later transformed into a work of art and duly sold to be hung – well, one can only imagine. The show was based on strong character acting, and even when a particular skit wasn’t quite on the money, the acting certainly was. The show largely sustained momentum and interest and certainly kept the audience wondering just what was coming next.
Final Word: Absurd.
Clayton Werner & Sandy Klose

Dooda continues at Tuxedo Cat until Sat Mar 13.

Max Gillies - Godzone
Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga, Sat Feb 20

Witty, edgy, un-PC, Godzone presses political and religious buttons caricaturing Australian politicians, mannerisms captured astonishingly well: a braggart speaking Mandarin, Swedish and tongue-clicking African languages, Kevin Rudd is a “dinky-di, mega-optimal messiah” who commands 20 minutes binge drinking. Max Gillies’ acting is superb. He takes on Gordon Brown, Julia Gillard and Andrew Bolt, who disputes global warming. Christopher Hinchins raves “God is a psychopath”. Tony Abbott claims he’s God tool! Amid religious hysteria the government’s proposed draconian internet censorship prevents them launching Godzone. An entertaining parody of politicians; lazy, corrupt and ego-driven to an audience of baby-boomers. Godzone synergises new thought forms, blogs, iPhones and ever-failing broadband. Too shocking for the religiously pious. Kevin bids the good people of Australia goodnight after an evening of hope, despair and Cate Blanchett, all the while going for gold.
Final Word: Incisive!
Angie Starr & Kimberley Mann

Heavier Than Milk
Gravity Studios, Sat Feb 20

Presented as a tantalising eight-course meal, Heavier Than Milk showcases short experimental dance works developed by graduates of the Adelaide Centre For The Arts. Fine performances by all dancers and many flavours of choreography ensure something on the menu for every taste. Highlights for this dance consumer were the ‘starters’ by Lisa Lonero with Portal (Threshold), the refreshing and sweet Milkshake ‘palate cleanser’ of Jo Naumann and a satisfying ‘third course’ served by Jessie Hoeschle’s She Ain’t Heavy. The intimate venue and proximity to the performers made this a very enjoyable dining experience and it is pleasing to see Adelaide’s reputation for fine dance performance will continue with such an abundance of talent coming through the ranks. Bon appetit!
Final Word: Delicious!
Carl Cranstone

Heavier Than Milk continues at Gravity Studios until Sun Feb 21.

Pigs In Wigs
Puppet Palace, Sat Mar 20

Narrated by a pirate and Pedro the parrot, in the harmonious village of Treetops three new citizens arrive; pig developers. An ‘innocent, vegetarian wolf’ door-knocks the neighbourhood to borrow a cup of sugar to bake a cake for his grandma. Like all perpetrators of violence he has elaborate tactics. Suffering H1N1, the wolf sneezes the straw and stick houses down. At the audience’s urging he devours succulent leg hams that magically appear. The rude, obstinate brick-house pig takes him on in court. The cops side with the pigs. With grandiose costumes, this kid’s comedy is also a clever spoof on urban development. Fairytales get tangled and Little Red Riding Hood bops through. Clever puppetry stunts including rotating piggy tail wig. Even the police depicted by human fisticuffs took bows at the end.
Final Word: Hilarious.
Angie Starr & Kimberley Mann

Pigs In Wigs continue at Puppet Palace until Sat Mar 13.

Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues
Higher Ground, Sat Feb 20

If haven’t heard of it, well I don’t know where you’ve been hiding! This series of monologues has taken the world by storm! Men and women alike leave this show having laughed, possibly cried, and definitely having learnt something! This particular version sees five brilliant local artists showcase their skills in this very honest, ‘tell-all’ show. The passion of these women means you’ll see genuine laughter and tears from the performers and audience alike. I was hysterically laughing one minute, shuddering angrily the next. If you can’t say the word vagina out loud, you won’t want to see it – although you should! If you like full disclosure and brutal honesty, you’ll love it!
Final Word: Empowering
Bridie Toomer

Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues continues at Higher Ground until Sun Feb 28.

Stefl Shefn & His Translator Fatima
SA Writers Centre, Sat Feb 20

Quite one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. Just the idea for daring to present a comic routine in a foreign language is daring enough, but the selection of the wall content (I mean, have you spoken to your vacuum cleaner lately?) puts it further out there. Fortunately the burka-clad Fatima helps us to make sense of it all. Her neutral delivery of uncouth and outrageous content is worth the ticket in itself. I can’t help thinking that Borat is to blame for much of this madcap nonsense. And, is that really an Albanian dialect that he’s speaking? And, does it matter? Beneath the silly surface, there’s a lot going on in this show. Funny – funny weird and funny ha ha!
Final Word: Weird.
Michael Coghlan

Stefl Shefn And His Translator Fatima continues at SA Writers Centre until Sat Mar 13. 

Café Zimmermann
Burnside Ballroom, Sat Feb 20

In advance, there is nothing about the Burnside Ballroom that suggests a welcome to the non-privileged, and nothing about this program of baroque music to suggest anything other than a good night out for the Adelaide Establishment. Do not dare to applaud between movements, no matter how virtuosic the featured artist! But, this show rose above those limitations admirably. The program of Telemann, Bach and Handel was a smorgasbord of treats that shifted gracefully from toe-tapping to tears and all points between, through marvellously liquid viola da gamba, astonishingly textured harpsichord, riveting oboe, rock-solid ensemble strings and charmingly understated soprano. The blend was (almost) impeccable. The audience was both respectful and unrestrained, and everybody brought a picnic.
Final Word: Transporting.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton

Tommy Dassalo – An Explosion of Colours
Tuxedo Cat – Studio, Fri Feb 19

Bravely (or foolhardily) pitting this session against the Fringe opening night hoo-hah, young Melbourne stand-up Tommy Dassalo didn’t let the small crowd in this small venue daunt him, running through an hour’s worth of laughs drawn from his life. With jokes based on buying graphic novels, being bad at remembering people, and disappointment at his friends for settling down in their early 20s and believing their best years behind them, half his set could have come straight from my own life – but thankfully I didn’t have a receding hairline at 23, nor high blood pressure or his other inherited ailments, all of which were mined for comic material. If you see him at the pub with a jug, don’t ask to share.
Final Word: Potential.
Owen Heitmann

Tommy Dassalo – An Explosion of Colours continues at Tuxedo Cat until Sun Feb 28.

Nik Coppin - Pasquinader
The Tuxedo Cat – Studio, Fri Feb 19

Britain’s Nik Coppin made the most of the intimate turnout by getting to know each member of the audience, but I get the feeling he would be just as chummy with a full house: his affable manner made his comic rambling seem more like a chat with a mate than a scripted performance. Indeed, he freely admitted that instead of devising a structure for his act the previous night, he’d drawn a picture of Spiderman fighting great train robber Ronnie Biggs. The loose nature of the show, which touched on Nik’s previous jobs and hairstyles, meant that some of the laminated caricatures and photographs that made up his props went unused by the time he wrapped up, but he promised that by the end of his season he would have written a proper ending – and a beginning and a middle.
Final Word: Engaging.
Owen Heitmann

Nik Coppin - Pasquinader continues at Tuxedo Cat until Sat Mar 13.

Le Garçon Néurotique
The Spare Room, Sun Feb 21

And upper-crust cocktail bar: the setting may seem completely commonplace. But when examined through the eyes and mind of one slightly tipping the scales towards inner madness, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride! We meet our protagonist in this chaotic story midway through a shift of his work as a cocktail waiter at a posh Melbourne venue, and we’re offered a special view into the inner workings of his mind. Rewind to the beginning of the story, and we’re taken on a wild chase through his feelings towards a variety of social stereotypes, customers, work colleagues, girls, alcohol, time and, ultimately, his own mad self, all while working a single-night’s shift. This sensationally performed monologue is painfully funny, guaranteed to have you in stitches while being thoroughly gripping as it winds its way through the clever tale. Pure genius!
Final word: Psycho-hilarious!
Luke Balzan

Le Garçon Néurotique continues at the Spare Room until Sat Mar 13

The Hamlet Apocalypse
Regent Two, Arcade Lane, Sat Feb 20

Ushers in sub-Rocky-Horror lingerie led the audience into the gutted shell of the former Regent Two Cinema for this, a slightly chaotic but pretty striking depiction of an ensemble of players (apparently as ‘themselves’) putting on Hamlet - or at least some of the key and darkest sequences from it - as we slowly tick down to the end of the world. The cast members announce the parts they’re filling (notably Noa Rotem as Ophelia and Dave Sleswick as The Ghost) and initially do it straight until their impending doom looms closer and they break out of character to ponder, lament, drink, fight, snog and scream, and while director Steven Mitchell Wright’s handling gets a little out of control towards the end, there’s a haunting aspect to this strange little piece. And the stuffy and stripped venue feels appropriately apocalyptic.
Final Word: Unsettling.
Mad Dog Bradley

The Hamlet Apocalypse continues at the Regent Two at various times until Sat Mar 13.

Jason Cook – My Confessions
Mercury Cinema, Fri Feb 19

With a T-shirt proclaiming ‘Idiot’ and a hairstyle confirming it, Jason Cook delivers a show which he claims is “100% true”. If that’s the case you wouldn’t want to live with him, as he confesses to be, among other things, a serial practical joker with obsessive compulsive disorder. Cook goes through a list of confessions which make him look a rather flawed individual. Apart from the amusing opportunities this provides, there’s also an emotional punch line that may move you to tears but will definitely leave you feeling good about yourself. Like all shows that rely heavily on the comic finding good material in the audience, you’ll hope that he finds some treasures elsewhere and not pick on you. You will be glad you went.
Final Word: Uplifting.
Adrian Miller

Jason Cook – My Confessions continues at Mercury Cinema until Fri Mar 13.

Marmalade Circus
Queens Arms Hotel, Fri Feb 19

The line-up of instruments on stage prepared me for the seriously accomplished level of musicianship I was about to witness from a 10-piece jazz band who dabble in world music grooves. What I wasn’t prepared for was the whimsical humour and showmanship the band inject into their performance - an instructional lesson, with picture cards and inventive vocals, of the benefits of a wide variety of exotic fruits, or the band parading New Orleans-style through the audience playing on literally tiny instruments. After more serious music the band left the stage again playing their tiny instruments. The enthusiasm and virtuosity with which they played was infectious, and without having heard any of the material before this was the best night out I’ve had for quite a while. They have a CD which captures the musicianship, but not the fun of the live performance.
Final Word: Mileswithsmiles!
Adrian Miller

Bijou Movie
Mercury Cinema, Sat Feb 20

Documenting a particular period of music making in Adelaide, namely underground music of the 1970s, the Bijou movie is a labour of love put together largely by some of the musicians involved. A mixture of live footage from a reunion concert in 2001, blended with other music clips and animation. For the price of a ticket those attending were given refreshments to begin, a DVD/CD copy of the movie and the music, an entertaining tutorial on Kuarna culture and a premiere viewing of the movie. All followed by a live gig in the nearby Enigma Bar featuring many of the musicians in the film, which carried on until the early hours of the morning. Bijou veterans seemed very happy to be reunited. The rest of us watched in fascination. I wish more of the music created in this town could be documented in this way.
Final Word: Celebratory.
Adrian Miller

Mark Butler – I’ve Been Watching You Australians… (But Not In A Creepy Way)
Electric Light Hotel, Sat Mar 20

Mark Butler’s many observations regarding our Aussie idiosyncrasies are both clever and smartly delivered in his very funny Fringe offering for 2010. Clearly comfortable in his role, Butler delighted punters from the moment he hit the stage. Australian women on white wine copped a serve, as did our nation’s many dangerous creatures, including spiders, bogans on trams and taxi drivers to name a few. The beauty of Butler’s talent lies in his understanding of what is funny to his audience, and clearly we are very happy to laugh at ourselves if the raucous reaction of the crowd was anything to go by. An entertaining evening with a skilled comedian.
Final Word: Hoot.
Rosie van Heerde

Mark Butler continues at the Electric Light Hotel until Sat Mar 6.

Fiona O’Loughlin – On A Wing And A Prayer
Spiegeltent, Sat Feb 20

Enormously brave, irreverent and with a glint of Catholic glee in her eye Fiona O’Loughlin is tangibly as important to Alice Springs’ cultural heritage as the red dust is to the land. Fiona shares the most intimate and painfully embarrassing moments of her well publicised alcohol-induced disgrace with such humility and jocularity it’s impossible not to be touched by her indomitable spirit. Her hilarious observations of the mundane and ordinary are intrinsically family orientated and wholeheartedly believable. Journey with generations of Irish twisted-ness for an hour and view the genetically generous gene pooled world from Fiona O’Loughlin’s contorted slant.
Final Word: Irrepressible!
Jenna Bonavita

Fiona O’Loughlin continues at The Spiegeltent until Sun Feb 28.

Rogue Teacher
Electric Light Hotel, Sat Feb 20

In Rogue Teacher, English/Aussie comedian Mark Butler has created a story that would make any parent cringe. Take one very dodgy maths teacher with a penchant for ripping off schoolboys and sleeping with schoolgirls and throw in a dim-witted PE teacher on steroids and you pretty much get the premise of this show. Herein lies the problem – the characters, though well played by a capable cast – were all standard stock types with very little that could be called original. The script itself was rather overlong and clunky at times, contributing to a lack of pace in the action onstage. Yet although a sense of energy was missing, there were some amusing moments and the clearly supportive audience seemed happy enough with those.
Final Word: Instructional.
Rosie van Heerde

Rogue Teacher continues at the Electric Light Hotel until Sat Mar 6.

Violet Rapscallion (A Stray Cabaret)
Nexus Cabaret, Sat Feb 20

Ragamuffins and scallywags come one come all. This dangerously mischievous stray cabaret is rich, powerful and manic, delving into the dark side of your imagination. You will be welcomed and embraced, then taken away on a roguishly funny journey by this local production. This is a quirky, hilarious and inspiring adventure into the dark mind of the amazingly talented Anya McNicol-Windram. She commands your attention, with passionate lyrics and musicianship, as she opens her heart and soul in a dark but delicious performance. Dancers to delight, musicians to inspire, cellists to knock your socks off and one brilliant belly dancer to tantalise and leave you tingling in your seat. Mesmerising the audience with rich and colourful costumes, idiosyncratic concepts, grand and gorgeous original tunes, Violet Rapscallion will have your full attention.
Final Word: Unique.
Edel Perth & Kathryn Barclay

Violet Rapscallion continues at Nexus Cabaret until Thu Mar 4.

Welcome To The World Of Childhood!
Santos Conservation Centre, Sat Feb 20

Russian Circus Comic Duo Arlekino are hilarious from the first moment. Their big smiles and vibrant costumes ensure the audience applause. They engage the crowd with their excellent magical tricks and humorous antics. The style is entertaining for all the audience and be prepared to have some huge belly laughs, prolonging your life with the merriment these two professional artist present. You’ll find it hard to sit still as they rapidly change the tempo and form of the magical tricks; sometimes revealing and others not. Adults and children alike will be squealing and giggling on your chairs as Duo Arlekino take you on a wonderful journey back to the magic of childhood where what you see is so believable.
Final Word: Enjoyable.
Kathryn Barclay & Edel Perth

Welcome To The World Of Childhood! continues at Santos Conservation Centre until Sun Mar 14.

The Kransky Sisters – Three Bags Full
Arts Theatre, Sun Feb 21

Opening with some hilarious home footage of their various road trips, big sister Mourne, Eve and the downtrodden youngest half-sister Dawn primly shuffle into their seats. While sharing their somewhat disastrous travel stories, the Kransky Sisters play some great home-spun versions of songs they learned from the wireless; a Bee Gees medley of Tragedy and Staying Alive, AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds and even Trio’s Da Da Da. As always, these naïve spinsters from Esk deliver laughter, a few sad stories and their melodic harmonies are just lovely. A toilet brush (which broke), pots, a spaghetti ladle and a tea box are some of the strange instruments that complement the guitar, keyboard and Dawn’s tuba. The best I could wish for them are husbands… and many more journeys back to Adelaide!
Final Word: Delightful.
Catherine Blanch

Three Bags Full continues at Arts Theatre until Sun Feb 28.

A Belly Dance Collective
The Garage International @ NACC, Sun Feb 21

Who knew there were so many types of belly dancing?! I went in thinking I’d get caught up in the tummy shaking and hip swirling and would want to get up and have a go myself... how hard could it be? I couldn’t have been more wrong. I sat there the whole time amazed at how these women managed to move their bodies with such precision, and the core strength they need to be able to do so, let alone the natural ability they must possess! My favourite was the ‘Tribal Fusion’ performance by Sarah Maeer (Johnson) as the controlled slow, flowing movements had me enchanted. The dancing, the music, the colours, this show is sure to impress the whole family.
Final Word: Enchanting.
Bridie Toomer

A Belly Dance Collective continues at The Garage International until Sat Feb 27.

The Lotus - Akoustic Odyssey
The Promethean, Sun Feb 21

The technical ability of each member of this group is breathtaking. I particularly couldn’t take my eyes of the violinist Emma Luker who is as entertaining as she talented. The performance itself appeared to be low key and relaxed, it was almost like we were sitting around in someone’s lounge room (the comfy venue probably helped with that) and I recall getting nervous at what I may have been in for. Then the music started and I was immediately transported to another place and time. This performance is an introduction to the group’s new CD titled The Lotus. Their music is a superb mesh of unusual beats and textures coming together to create an earthy, folksy symphony. Check them out at .
Final Word: Uplifting.
Bridie Toomer

The Lotus – Akoustic Odyssey continues at The Singing Gallery until Fri Mar 12.

Almost An Evening
The Stables, Sun Mar 21

Three one act plays from Academy Award winner Ethan Cohen, all dealing in some way with the very sombre topic of death. Likewise Hell, religion and all the big questions. Waiting is a gently amusing introduction to these topics, exploring bureaucracy gone mad as an increasingly manic ‘soul’ spends eternity pining for his shot at Heaven. Four Benches is far subtler in its approach to death and the repercussions on those left behind, when an Engish spy is forced to reassess his calling after meeting a naked Texan in a sauna room. Debate provided the most fun, with Vengeful God battling it out against a far tenderer version of the same. The entire cast were terrific in their character portrayals, particularly the two ‘Gods’, who quite rightly stole the show.
Final Word: Illuminating.
Rosie van Heerde

Almost An Evening continues at The Stables until Wed Mar 10.

Bienvenue à Brelville
La Boheme, Sun Feb 21

Jacques Brel is alive and well and living in Adelaide - for 90 minutes at least. Audiences will enjoy the energetic fantasy that serves to weave the songs of Brel into this love story. Bronwyn Cumbo’s arrangements perfectly suit the capable three-piece orchestra. Felicity Nicol directs this tale of love from afar that is acted out by Daniel O’Leary (Luc), Mollie King (Madeline), Sarah Hansen (Alice) and Michael Cutrupi as Bouboule. Cutrupi throws himself around the venue and adds verve. All of the cast combine to make the most of the confined space of La Boheme and also do justice to the songs of this Belgian marvel. Musical highlights include My Death, Impossible Dream, Ne Me Quitte Pas and the finale, If We Only Have Love.
Final Word: Brelliant.
David Robinson

Bienvenue à Brelville continues at La Boheme until Mon Mar 8. 

Death In Bowengabbie
Tuxedo Cat, Sun Mar 21

It’s easy to understand why this show received such rave reviews in 2009. Opening to the strains of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, one soon realises that Bowengabbie ain’t Kansas. Or is it? This remarkable piece explores those things that bring us home – in this case, the death of a few old rellies will do it every time. Oscar returns home, each time learning something new about himself and the life choices he has made. Essentially a multi-monologue of epic proportions, the lone actor gamely switches between characters with often manic dexterity, keeping the audience with him every step of the way. At times intimate and poignant, at others both witty and amusing, Death In Bowengabbie is a stellar show laced with pathos and black humour, much too fun to be considered dark by any means.
Final Word: Riveting
Rosie van Heerde

Death in Bowengabbie continues at Tuxedo Cat until Sat Feb 27.

En Route
Adelaide CBD, Sun Feb 21

We don’t all have to be in the same time and place to share a similar experience. En Route participants are guided by SMS messages and clues in the physical environment in a treasure hunt like experience through city streets. As you listen to a wonderful selection of carefully chosen music you’ll find places you have never been (even if you’re local) and become immersed in a soundtrack that connects you to the places and people around you. Anyone who has ever questioned why people wander through life connected to an iPod should try En Route. This is a totally enthralling experience. You slowly become aware that you are part of the show – as both observer and participant. I cannot recommend this show highly enough.
Final Word: Brilliant.
Michael Coghlan

En Route continues in the Adelaide CBD until Tue Mar 2.

Go-Go
Arcade Lane (Regent One), Sun Feb 21

African Australian at its best. GoGo, presented by Vitalstatistix Theatre Company, is 50 minutes of enthusiastic, energetic storytelling, through spoken word, dance and song. The cast of young people, who all play themselves, hail from all over Africa and while they don’t shirk from the horrors of their past, they certainly don’t dwell on it, stating it honestly and openly. There are some very funny typecast attempts at Aussie accents and attitudes. Go-Go is downright infectious fun and the ending, where everyone is invited to join them on stage is vibrant to the point of being heart-warming. The visual effects and music are simply stunning. It is a pity there were only two shows as this was a must see.
Final Word: Wonderful.
Clayton Werner & Sue Gilbey

Puppetry Of The Penis
Royalty Theatre, Sun Feb 21

In this crazy, outrageous world we live in it’s great to see two young professional guys so comfortable in their skins (literally). Sam and Nacho perform dick tricks, stretching them out to the limit and pulling into extraordinary positions, like nothing I’ve ever seen! Origami of a different kind. What an amazing act - no puppets to be seen though. With full-frontals, great humour and a fancy costume, they make it look simple. Yoda, The Eyeful Tower and The Hamburger - what a handful! They created a stunning likeness of George Bush and John Howard, and performed an amazing didgeridoo interpretation. Eating chicken skin and looking at my appendage will never be the same again! This is an act not to be missed.
Final Word: Eye-popping.
Terry Izatt

Puppetry Of The Penis continues at Royalty Theatre until Sun Feb 28.

Womens Circus
The Birdcage, Sun Feb 21

The Birdcage is perfect for this enjoyable family event. Inside the big top the casual seating close to the low stage, the merging parklands and performance space set the scene for a casual yet intimate experience. With an all female cast the Womens Circus provided humorous light and social commentary using a variety of circus acts, aerials, acrobatics and choreographed ensemble routines. With a large ensemble the troupe used clever solo and group performance to incorporate all members of the troupe, at all skill levels. Two favourites were the construction site, a funny yet accurate portrayal of the culture, and the quintessential Aussie beach scene. As a grand finale the beach scene worked a treat, with a dynamic variety of aerial work and other performance’s capturing the essence of the true Australian seaside experience.
Final Word: Enjoyable.
Jenni Kimpton & Edel Perth

Denim
The Birdcage, Sun Feb 21

Get your Levi’s on for this short piece of acrobatic theatre that is both reflective and playful. With baskets full of denim, three silent performers and a minimum of props (and clothing at times!) you will be taken on a journey that explores the fragile side of human experiences. Acrobatic sequences allow the audience to reflect on the many twists and turns life can bring. Moving through hoops, climbing, dodging, weaving, ricocheting and a final aerial display of strength and agility make this performance one that will leave you wondering. While cryptic and perhaps a little amateur in parts, Denim is an intriguing performance worth giving a try.
Final Word: Imaginative.
Sarah Mena

Denim continues at The Birdcage until Thu Feb 25.

Akmal – It’s Not My Fault
Royalty Theatre, Sun Feb 21

Dressed like a black Wiggle - but too foul-mouthed to be allowed to join the band - Akmal set out to offend almost everyone and probably succeeded. Fast-paced delivery, a cheeky personality, Akmal showed why he is one of Australia’s better comics by carving through every sacred cow with a razor sharp sledgehammer. His Egyptian birth allows him to terrorise Middle Eastern cultures without fear, while savaging Australians with some detachment. The best material is about the ethnic experience in Australia, but he might have used this material before. By his own admission he’s a bit lazy when it comes to new material. It’s a shame he still needs the cheap stand-up thing of haranguing the family in the front row for laughs, but he does it better than most.
Final Word: Apparentlytheresabook.
Adrian Miller

Akmal – It’s Not My Fault continues at the Royalty Theatre until Sun Feb 28.

Austen’s Women
Higher Ground, Sun Feb 21

Observing the observer, in this well-crafted, powerfully-illuminating parade of heroines and fools, in true Austenian style Rebecca Vaughan’s narrator links incisively-chosen vignettes direct from Austen to reveal an uncannily modern sensibility. The inner politics of Austen – her satire of a society bereft of its common humanity, where social interaction is valued only as transaction or commercial bond in a man’s world of exploited women, populated by pretentious men of dubious design and suspect credentials and young, arbitrarily-educated women of aspiration, some dreaming of a different society – is portrayed and explored with empathy, humour and rage. Witty characterisation takes you from tears of laughter to, simply, tears. A fabulous alternative, for the troubled middle class, to drugs and therapy.
Final Word: Transformational.
Ian Newton & Kate Battersby

Austen’s Women continues at Higher Ground until Sun Mar 14.

Robbins, Stilson & Molloy
Arts Theatre, Sun Feb 21

MC for the evening, Glenn Robbins, has unquestionably created some of Australia’s most iconic comic characters. Hearing Robbins confess his use of lovemaking techniques from Russell Coight to Kel Knight to Uncle Arthur should make your jaw hurt from laughter. However, if your threshold for tickle pain is high, his demonstration of the link between Michael Jackson’s moonwalk to Kel’s power-walk is bound to have you in stitches. Jeff Stilson’s dry, deadpan and monotone delivery is perfectly complemented by a balance of pace, timing and a bloody funny routine! Mick Molloy’s presentation, as always, is swaggering and relaxed. Molloy’s larrikin humour is borderline homophobic and chauvinistic with a side serve of schoolboy locker-room, but he is also so cheeky it’s easily forgiven.
Final Word: Trifecta!
Jenna Bonavita

Robbins, Stilson & Molloy continue at the Arts Theatre until Sun Feb 28.

The Event
Higher Ground, Sun Feb 21

The Man takes the stage and proceeds to break down the fourth wall, to show us all of the magician’s tricks, to lay waste our suspension of belief. As the monologue progresses he explains that he is merely a vehicle for the writer, playing a role in which he has no say. We come to realise that he is saying the same about the rest of us; that 21st century humankind is unmoored and largely without reason. John Clancy’s play is a thoughtful meditation on the human condition, on the way we seek to validate, entertain and reward ourselves in an age of soulless gratification. David Calvitto impresses as The Man, treading the perfect line between human and actor, if there is such a thing…
Final Word: Accomplished.
David Robinson

The Event continues at Higher Ground until Sun Mar 14.

version 1.0’s This Kind Of Ruckus
Norwood Concert Hall, Sun Feb 21

The phenomenon of domestic violence and its apparent proliferation as well as sexual violence in Australia and in Australian sporting culture is the subject of this quite confronting piece of theatre. Be prepared to face the ugly truth of how some parts of our society currently operate and consider what are their ‘norms’, in a collage of theatrical segments. Lighting, AV effects and music all reinforce the messages being told. The use of cameras for live shots and footage onto a big screen kept some important points resonating with the audience. The performance itself was highly professional and energetic. This piece will certainly stimulate your thinking, but be prepared for the rawness of the content.
Final Word: Wonderful.
Clayton & Lauren Werner

Version 1.0’s This Kind Of Ruckus continues at Norwood Concert Hall until Fri Feb 26.

Koto Music Concert
The Garage International @ NACC, Sun Feb 21

The koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, was featured in a series of short concerts in North Adelaide this week. The koto is related to the harp/chora family of stringed instruments, and produces that sound many will recognise from traditional Japanese films. Listening to Etsuko pluck, strum and hammer the multiple strings of the Koto with large screen images of Japan projected behind her transported you effortlessly to Japan. The venue was small enough to see the mechanics of how the instrument is played – a treat in itself. Extra touches were the exquisite costume of the performer, and the culturally stylised method of changing the name of each piece on a menu displayed in Japanese characters. Worthy of a longer season and a larger audience.
Final Word: Exquisite.
Michael Coghlan

Rebels Without A Chord
The Cavern Club, Sun Feb 21

Like the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide University Choral Society is celebrating their 50th anniversary. They mark the occasion with this selection of pop songs from the likes of Ben Folds, Seal and Cold Chisel. It’s fascinating to see what they do with these songs. It is a bit strange to hear a choir do a Chisel song, but a madrigal arrangement of the Beatles’ Can’t Buy Me Love worked really well. The highlight for me was a song originally written with multiple harmonies – the Beach Boys’ I Get Around. Despite the fact they are performing pop songs the overall feel is still more choral than pop. If you like listening to people sing, you’re going to really enjoy this. A great venue – check out the Beatles memorabilia in the break.
Final Word: Intriguing.
Michael Coghlan

Rebels Without A Chord continues at Cavern Club until Sun Feb 28.

Open Mic
Queens Arms Hotel, Mon Feb 22

This soap-opera-in-a-pub about the theatre and soap of open mic nights is much more, weaving a tale of community with a great eye for small passions. Open mic veterans will recognise most of these characters! Some great lines were spoken and cool tunes convincingly delivered (good musos sometimes deliberately off-key). Totally inhabiting their personas were Tony the doorman, a hoot, and Richard, dickhead axe hero. We saw love lost and won, men behaving badly and women drunkenly, spunk-nut German backpackers and beauty fighting back. Not all is beer and skittles, some scenes getting close to the bone around relationship breakdowns, and emo poetry taking to the absurd all the melancholic capacity that inhabits a bar near you.
Final Word: Hilarious.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton

Open Mic continues at the Queens Arms Hotel until Sun Mar 14. 

iexist.com
Holden Street Theatres – The Studio, Mon Feb 22

This short powerful work combines dialogue, mime, dance and music to delve into the lives of teenagers who spend much of their time online because they find the offline world too hard. It presents a series of scenes and images that alarm, amuse and instruct, while creating a dream-like and often cacophonous world of online chatter where everyone talks at once. There are moments full of depth and tension – facing the prospect of real-life eye contact for the first time, and a superbly choreographed avatar sequence. A more light-hearted dance routine gives new meaning to the iPod shuffle. It might take a second or third viewing to unravel all the threads of this complex show, but it’s a strong, compelling piece of theatre.
Final Word: Important.
Michael Coghlan

iexist.com continues at the Holden Street Theatres until Thu Feb 25.

Ali McGregor’s Jazz Cigarette
Spiegeltent, Mon Feb 22

An opera singer and burlesque artiste mixing Billie Holiday and Cole Porter with Tom Waits and Britney Spears might not sound like a good idea, but then you need to factor in the incredible talent of Ali McGregor. A less theatrical performance perhaps than at the 2009 Cabaret Festival, what we got instead was a preview of the songs on her CD Jazz Cigarette, available in pre-release form after the show. The choice of songs was discerning – the kd lang version of Cole Porter’s So In Love, a jazz rendition of Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams. Without the theatrics Whatever Lola Wants was still a showstopper. Best of all was Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered. With little encouragement Ali encored with a song she almost apologised for including, but I’m glad she did. Her superb rendition of My Funny Valentine ended the night beautifully.
Final Word: Satisfying.
Adrian Miller

Bogan Bingo
Rob Roy, Mon Feb 22

Resident bogans Daz and Muzza bring everything you could hope for to a few rounds of bingo, with their well groomed mullets, cringe worthy bingo calls, no expense spared smoke machine, way too short short shorts, flannies and thongs you won’t leave disappointed. As well as enjoying the ‘80s soundtrack featured throughout the night, you will get to experience Adelaide’s finest at work when it’s time to play Bogan Idol. While it was a little intimidating at first, once everyone’s bonded through the art of group swearing and a few people get naked, you will feel more in touch with your inner bogan.
Final Word: Grouse.
Sarah Mena

Bogan Bingo continues at the Rob Roy until Thu Feb 25.

Claire Hooper - A Few Small Things You Should Know About The Future
Ambassadors Hotel, Sun Feb 21

Claire Hooper’s stand-up style has similarities to a blind date; it starts off with a few awkward trail-offs, strange body language and curious over-shares. These are intentional eccentricities though. By the halfway mark they’ve somehow recalibrated your brain towards her unique perspective – someone almost overwhelmed by how funny the simple things in life can be. Hooper’s show is about what the future is going to be like, but has trouble freeing itself of timeless jokes (mainly classic things like relationships and pooing). Hooper gets continuously distracted by more trivial aspects of life – recycled toilet paper and practical jokes - and then proceeds to go into dorky detail. Some things, like her seen-to-be-believed musical finale, are more defined; the rest is an enjoyable trip into the surprisingly eccentric mind of one of Australia’s best comedians.
Final Word: Quirky.
Brad McNaughton

A Few Small Things You Should Know continues at the Ambassador’s Hotel until Thu Feb 25.

Sam Simmons – Fail
Theater Bosco, Sun Feb 21

Looking like a less meth-addled Andre Agassi, Simmons has become a favourite on the Australian and indeed apparently the global comedy circuit. The premise for the show Fail is one we can all relate to; not to kill the hopes and dreams of the masses, but yes folks, we all fail daily. My fellow double S initialled comedian works through his show easily, from the hilarious random nature of his fictitious game show through to more scripted stories on the death and destruction caused by Vince Vaughn. Other standouts include floor versus carpet and a somewhat sexual relationship with a boggle eyed cabbage. Despite a really tough crowd – do people not come to comedy to laugh? – the show is definitely one of the better comedy acts in this year’s Fringe.
Final Word: Gypsy-cuddles.
Shane Scott

Fail continues at Theater Bosco until Sat Mar 13.

Andrew O’Neill – Occult Comedian
Mercury Cinema, Mon Feb 22

I’m not going to lie: the premise of a transvestite heavy metal fan with a penchant for Satan has seemingly endless comic possibilities. Sadly this show made me want to take demonic action against my ears to stop the boredom. Preaching against the evils of the church and free thinking is one thing, forcing your own personal thoughts on the crowd for roughly an hour with jokes spaced too far apart does nothing to win over your audience and frankly leaves you sounding a bit hypocritical. There were some stronger moments, but these came in the name-based jokes of babies/shops/dogs and not in the show’s scripted material. I respect Andrew’s knowledge and conviction in his beliefs, it just didn’t make me laugh. I do condone the death of the Jonas Brothers, however.
Final Word:  Disappointing.
Shane Scott

Andrew O’Neill continues at Mercury Cinema until Sat Mar 13.

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