MAD DOG MALCOLM CUMMINGS
The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Mon Mar 19
Taking on a character for a comedy show means you can get away with things you wouldn’t even consider doing otherwise. And so it is for local singer and comedian Gerry Masi, who becomes Mad Dog Malcolm Cummings, a Sydney street-fighter turned cabaret artiste. Mad Dog is stuck in the ‘70s, every bit as sexist and racist as you might imagine, and his one-liners are as old-fashioned as his kipper tie: few would raise anything more than a groan if they were written down rather than told. Masi’s performance and timing are essential components in making it all work as well as it does. Though the jokes often depend on breaking taboos, any offensiveness is tempered by the fact that the top dog is typically the butt of the joke, and that’s often Mad Dog himself. The main purpose of the songs seems to be to add some length to the show but, again, the performances lift them.
Gary Cockburn

SUPERNOVA: A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER & EARTH, WIND & FIRE
Governor Hindmarsh, Mon Mar 19.
Supernova got off to a funky start that warmed up as the hits rolled on. From Sunshine Of My Life to a huge Master Blaster, this band rocked in all the right places. Peter Noble is both energetic and plain good fun, with a voice that did full justice to his line-up. Lee Pfitzner has a jazz voice to die for while Charmaine Jones’ powerhouse vocals were a hugely well-received surprise. Of course, Matt Noble was a bit of a favourite, with a voice as trim, taut and terrific as his very tight shirt - singing Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I was pretty much his… but seriously, this is a stellar mix of talented funk musos that rocked The Gov for a couple of hours of solid entertainment. Wonderful stuff.
Rosie Toomer

TRIPOD - HOW TO TRAIN AN ATTACK DOG FROM SCRATCH
Royalty Theatre
Let me just say right off the bat that I love Tripod (well, why don’t I marry them then?), they can do little wrong in my book I will go and see them every time they come to town. Which is why it causes me a great deal of pain to say that this time round they were not up to par. The premise of Attack Dog (a history of the funny song - or fong), was not a bad one, but whereas previous shows (such as the excellent Tosswinkle The Pirate) had super strong writing and characterisation, Attack Dog just didn’t have any teeth. In fact the extended video montages (photos of fake comedy song pioneers) with commentary came off looking like lazy links between songs. In particular a lengthy piece with Tripod dressed as grannies on a couch left me thinking ‘I know you guys are better than this'. They were still good. There were some great songs; Gatesy in his glam outfit singing Tammy and the closer of the title song of the show, but as a show it seemed a little under cooked. Sorry guys… I still love you, but the ceremony is on hold.
Ian Bell

CHOPPER - HARDEN THE FUCK UP
The Umbrella Revolution
Two words: fucking funny. Comedian Heath Franklin has donned a blue shirt, a fake mo and the aviator sunnies to channel Mark ‘Chopper’ Read. You might’ve seen the hilarious Chopper on the Channel 10 sketch show The Ronnie Johns Half Hour, or floating about on <YouTube.com>, but now Uncle Chop Chop comes to the Fringe in an unprecedented show. He instructs Australia to take off its skirt, cancel its manicure, grow a moustache and… harden the fuck up. And so begins the show, complete with mini Chopper; a video screen reeling off hilarious images and footage including Nazi Swans and Paedophile Magpies (don’t ask!), emo jokes: “It’s not down the road but across the street,” he says, some obvious Neville Bartos gags and a whole lot of swearing. One hour of pure side splitting, tear rolling, belly aching laughter.
Belinda Pappalardo
Chopper - Harden The Fuck Up continues at The Umbrella Revolution until Thu Mar 29.

THE BEDROOM PHILOSOPHER
Bosco Theatre
The Bedroom Philosopher, AKA Justin Heazlewood, turns in a cracking performance at the Bosco; sparklingly funny songs, stage banter that provoked audience responses from chuckles and belly-laughs to "deep growls", and an increasingly sophisticated musical repertoire combined to form an excellent show. In another country Justin might be the driving force behind a Belle & Sebastian-style indie pop group, which combines humour, delicate pop melodies and sensitivity. Clearly in this country that would make you a bloke of questionable manliness and when one is so gifted with actual wit, fey and foppish abilities as BP, you’d better put yourself out there as a ‘funny guy’. He is extremely funny. Of course there was I’m So Post Modern, which he almost seemed embarrassed to play, it being as close to a ‘hit’ as you could expect to hear tonight. At one point he described the best alien economy I've ever heard of: they buy things with hugs, "and make change in kick-boxing". Endearingly sweet, hilarious and occasionally heartbreakingly sad in a glitteringly beautiful way.
Ian Bell and Jordan Roberts
The Bedroom Philosopher continues at Bosco Theatre
until Wed Mar 21.

K&N BRASS - HOT AIR
Osmond Terrace Function Centre, Wed Mar 14
K&N Brass, deservedly, have been awarded a number of state and national titles, including the Champion Band Of Australia three times. Astoundingly, in its 109 year history the band has had only 11 Musical Directors. Longstanding and current MD, Mr Bruce Raymond, ably led the band through some classic, as well as modern, stage and screen themes. The program consisted of some fine arrangements of music from The Wizard Of Oz, Vicar Of Dibley, Harry Potter, Pirates Of The Caribbean and many more. Helium ‘hot air’ balloon decorations provided a nice touch, and a large screen behind the band projected live close-up footage from a roving ceiling camera. It is an honour to hear a live brass band of this calibre and if you’re a fan of big band music be sure to attend the next concert to be treated to sounds of one of the Australia’s finest!
Jenna Bonavita
K&N Brass - Hot Air continues at Osmond Terrace Function Centre until Wed Mar 28.

THE ART OF COMMUNICATION
Star Theatres (Theatre Two), Hilton, Thu Mar 15
This short performance (45 minutes) comprises two simple, expressive and humorous portrayals of communication energetically performed by up and coming dancers. Alice Wagstaff, explores the world of verbal communication using props such as white phones, duct tape and bananas to create a concise and witty piece. The naturalistic movement was effective, and the group work evoked the frenetic, desperate human need to say something. The only real jar was the dancer answering the phone. Not needed. Chris Hewitt's piece was more complex with a terrific performance by Jay Mullan both as convulsive portrait of man to passive man in the middle of two women. Though predictable there was greater depth in the idea and movement with some interesting work on the floor and stronger female moves. Worth checking out.
Wendy Campbell

OLD FLAMES
Bliss Café, Thu Mar 15
In Old Flames we meet Edward, his two ex-wives, his potential new girlfriend and his mother all together. This situation is the basis for considerable social comment on love, sex and relationships. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted, and I don’t just mean the language, as we discover the stories of virginity lost, lack of fulfilment in life and love, domestic violence, infidelity and the ugliness of when things go wrong. The girl’s pillow talk on sex, blokes, masturbation and orgasm is also not for the squeamish.It does hit the points that the playwright has aimed at, though in a couple of parts it would have been nice to have freshened up the language; ‘shillings’, ‘quid’ and ‘gay spinster’ not really communicating the author’s intent. The cast does a solid job bringing the play out, though Muriel (the Mother) is a little too quiet and the back rows would have struggled to hear her speaking.
Clayton and Sandy Werner
Old Flames continues at Bliss Café until Sat Mar 24

MADVIOLET
Church of the Trinity, Thu Mar 15
Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac comprise the Canadian duo, Madviolet, a delightful match both musically and personally. In the superb acoustic setting of the Church these charismatic songstresses presented folk, pop and country influenced songs ranging from personal journeys to cheeky life observations on the road. Interweaving traditional ceilidh tunes with their well-crafted original material, and changing instrumentation throughout their two sets from guitars to fiddle (Lisa) and tenor guitar (Brenley) their set was rich and diverse: sometimes a challenging task for a duo. Both talented musicians and songwriters, their contrasting voices complement each other beautifully, as they phrase and harmonise with heartfelt emotion and good humour. Check out < www.madviolet.com > for tour/news updates or purchase their latest CD, Caravan, available through MGM distribution.
Jenna Bonavita

CARMEN THE MUSICAL
Annesley College (Gillingham Hall), Wayville, Thu Mar 15
Bizet’s opera is given a few tweaks here and there for Studio 89’s Fringe 2007 production. This version incorporates simple dialogue to make the story easy to follow, and the scenes are punctuated with flamenco-style dancing. The cast seem to be enjoying themselves as they present their performance. The music is performed by a seven-piece band, and the singing is fine – if a little difficult to discern at times. Many of the songs will be familiar - even for folks who have no knowledge of the famous opera. All in all, this presentation is a fair effort by a young troupe. It has much more in common with a school production than a Fringe show, but it’s here nonetheless!
David Robinson
Carmen The Musical continues at Annesley College until Sat Mar 24.

FAI’A KE VAVINE
Nexus Cabaret Space, Fri Mar 16
Part traditional, part modern choreography, story telling of life and culture, art, filled with the smiling faces of dancers enjoying what they do – it can only be infectious! The performance, while carried out largely on the stage, also has elements around and in the audience.  The narration and accompaniment is pre-recorded, but there are elements of clapping, singing and laughter and the wisdom of the cultures incorporated. The performance space was well used, lighting effects and changes helped to keep the audience focused on the action. The performance is based on the Papua New Guinea story of Vavine, but incorporates elements from the South Seas and is presented by a troupe based in Darwin – as multi-cultural as you are! A variety of elements are drawn into the performance, from marriage and dowry, to in your face Samoan warriors, the fun and socialising of coconut scraping, to swinging grass skirts and elegant scarf dances.
Clayton and Deanne

EMILY DAVIS & THE SUNDAY BRIDES
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Fri Mar 16
Special guests Nereeda (rock/funk) and the Emily Smart Band (pop/light rock), started the evening and showcased the talents of two highly capable, diverse original bands. Emily Davis & The Sunday Brides, fresh from their weekend gig at WOMADelaide, played to a supportive and enthusiastic Wheatie crowd. Emily’s songs not only contain sensitive, well-constructed lyrics and catchy melodies but they are made even more pleasurable by her exquisite voice and charming stage presence. Her live performance exudes a grounded-ness and sincerity that is totally absorbing. Beautifully supported by the Brides (Zac Kingston, Steve Pederson, Brian Ruiz and Mel Bonham), performances by this ego-free ensemble are an absolute delight. Visit < www.emilydavis.com > for gig updates or to purchase the debut CD, Moving In Slow Motion, a must for any lover of quality, original songs from the heart.
Jenna Bonavita

THE FABULOUS ADAM RICHARD
Belgian Beer Café, Fri Mar 16
Adam Richard managed to provide his audience with an hour of fun entertainment with a comedy act that relied on campy quips as much as comedic skill. Jokes that should have evoked a belly laugh response didn’t always hit the mark, although he never failed to raise a grin and giggle. Richard was at his bitchy best when sharing his “famous people I’ve met” stories, while his impersonations of Cher and Anthony Hopkins a la Hannibal Lecter were absolute gems. Richard would do well to concentrate his comedy in these areas as it was in those moments that his talent as a funny man really shone.
Rosie Toomer
Adam Richard continues at Belgian Beer Cafe until Sat Mar 31.

HIGHWAY 31 - ZAC KINGSTON, STEVE PEDERSON, MEL BONHAM AND BILLY
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Fri Mar 16
The style is Cold Chisel in their quieter moments or Goanna. Zac Kingston has been in a number of local bands and draws on mostly original music written over time in the story telling, country/folk genre. His vocals are warm and throaty and the back up band of drums, acoustic bass and slide/mandolin/acoustic guitar provide a steady and sweet accompaniment. They‘ll be playing at The Wheatie for the next two weeks on Friday nights, as part of the Fringe. A very easy way to end the week; kick back and enjoy some local talent.
Kathy Gibbings
Highway 31 continues at Wheatsheaf Hotel until Fri Mar 30

SALT
Bar On Gouger, Sat Mar 17
This four piece band offers mixed grains of salt in terms of style! From blues and jazz (with a hint of reggae) to just rocking it out, they serve their purpose to entertain by catering for the wider audience. The songs are versatile with well thought out lyrics and catchy hooks, and they even like to throw in the odd sleazy number too! The vocals are powerful with two lead line singers - both male and female, which offers great variation and contrast in harmonies. The rhythm section sets some soulful grooves and very cool riffs but the pianist is definitely the focal point and highlight of the night! Their sensitivity with the music and created dynamics is most effective in changing up the moods and overall, these guys simply put out a great sound. My rating – eight of 10.
Gloria Albanese
Salt continues at Bar On Gouger until Sun Mar 25.

SELECTIONS FROM LCUK/DEATH TO YOUR DREAMS
Jade Monkey, Sat Mar 17
An utterly mesmerising combo of music and word – ethereal vocals from Sam Wareing swirl amongst the spoken thoughts of Sean M Whelan in a magical performance that can only be described as ‘Word Art’. Rich and textured, word and sound seem to meld and float to the point where you begin to wonder where one finishes and the other starts. Whelan transforms the everyday into the surreal, while the mime set lift his words and sends them soaring with Andrew Watson’s amazing guitar echoes. Jade Monkey was a perfect venue for this mind-blowing experience, where music speaks and poetry paints emotion.
Rosie Toomer

STEVE SHEEHAN’S LITTLE COMEDY PROJECT
SA Writers Centre, Sat Mar 17
A true comic minimalist, watching Sheehan is a bit like watching Sheehan watching paint dry while drinking Pine-O-Clean straight from the bottle. His sense of humour is curious and weird, there’s no doubt about it, with a touch of the bizarre evident in his “chicken fetish” confessions. At times he struggled to maintain focus, allowing for a few pregnant pauses that confused his audience into wondering if the Pine-O really was just a prop. At other moments he came out with some absolute gems that were worth waiting around for. An interesting experience worthy of 40 minutes of your Fringe time.
Rosie Toomer
Steve Sheehan continues at SA Writers Centre until Sat Mar 31.

THE ZOOMA ZOOMA LATE SHOW
Caos Cafe, Sat Mar 17
As high energy performances go, Zooma Zooma is up there with the best of tribute bands. Playing the music of Louis Prima and others, this show was a jazz experience not to be missed. Including the major sax talent of Mike Stewart, Zooma Zooma rocked the Caos Café with a pile of classics such as That Ole Black Magic, Lazy River and I Got You (Under My Skin). Anthony Leppa oozed charm and personality, his high energy antics ensuring the audience had a fabulous time from the moment he hit the stage. Demonstrating a rich vocal talent, Leppa’s voice never faltered and was beautifully supported by Sally Gorley who deserved a much a higher profile on stage. This is a sweet combo outfit, tight and talented – we’re talking swinging, jumping, pulsating jazz that’ll raise your heart rate and get those ol’ feet moving.
Rosie Toomer
Zooma Zooma continues at Caos Café on Saturday nights only until Sat Mar 31.

NICK PARNELL - PERCUSSION SPECTACULAR
Flinders Street Baptist Church, Sat Mar 17
Winner of the 2001 International Melbourne Percussion Competition, Nick Parnell presented a diverse selection of original and classical compositions in the resonating acoustic setting of the Flinders St Church. The evening’s performance commenced with an exciting African influenced piece featuring bongos, djembe, gong and various woodblocks and proceeded with selections from Gershwin, Chopin and Bach. Joined at various times by complimentary guest pianist, Graeme Burgan, arrangements for vibraphone/marimba and piano gave the performance great dynamic interest. A consummate professional, Mr Parnell made passages that would have been highly challenging for any percussionist look far too easy. Every note was played with intent and during one of the marimba pieces a refreshing touch of humour was added with quotes from The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Ah Wimaweh!). Nick Parnell is signed with ABC Classics and has a number of recordings available. Visit < nickparnell.com > for further information and performance listings.
Jenna Bonavita

HIDING THE ELEPHANT
Rhino Room, Sat Mar 17
Frehd Aastar and Tim Eee Presley, clown magicians extraordinaire (well, almost) present a show aimed at the children’s set, probably under 10s, that can be enjoyed by their parents also. So if you’re a parent with the guilts about all the shows that you have been going to see and want to introduce your kids to performance, Hiding The Elephant is a great opportunity! Certainly Frehd and Tim Eee quickly develop a great rapport with audience old and young alike and, to the performers’ own surprise, some of the magic actually works. You’ll giggle and laugh and participate in this show, with some children selected from the audience get to dress up and one becoming the costume assistant. Tim Eee does rope tricks, Frehd manages to make the sauce bottle disappear, and the audience helps by chanting the magic words – great fun all round.
Clayton and Sandy
Hiding The Elephant continues at Rhino Room until Sat Mar 31.

ALL THAT IS SOLID MELTS INTO AIR
Jade Monkey, Sun Mar 18
The Kurrawong Ensemble is dedicated to presenting Australian chamber music and this performance encompassed flutes, clarinets, saxophone with piano backing (one track had bells also, somewhat inflated to be percussion), typically in duo, occasionally in trio mode. The works, by Australian chamber composers, encompassed a range of classical styles. There were pieces and movements that I found very enjoyable, others that I struggled to connect with. That can be the nature of this type of music, especially if you are not familiar with particular works presented. In all of them, the players themselves proved well up to the task before them and reading through the notes on the pieces, played according to the composer’s instructions. The Kurrawong Ensemble will be back in Adelaide for a November performance.
Clayton and Sandy

DANNY BHOY
Royalty Theatre, Sun Mar 18
Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy has made a triumphant return to the Adelaide Fringe, opening his show in a smoke filled silhouette with him playing the bagpipes – or did he? Danny Bhoy has a gift; a comedy mind that just can’t stop thinking that everything is funny, and when he presents it, it is! He does an amazing Aussie accent, and his impersonation of our childish politicians and their overdramatic parliamentary language was absolutely spot on. His comedy was largely about Aussies, relatable by Aussies and funny to the core. Billy Connolly stands alone as a comedian, but his fellow countryman Danny Bhoy comes in as a close second; even losing track and eventually returning to the point in the same way Billy does. I’m more than impressed with how much I, and the packed Royalty Theatre audience, enjoyed the show. More laughs that you could possibly cope with in one night!
Catherine Blanch
Danny Bhoy continues at Royalty Theatre until Sun Mar 25.

THE DOORMATS
The Hard Rubbish Café, Thu Mar 15
Being confronted by four men in green leopard-print two-piece cowgirl outfits, hairy bellies exposed and white tissue paper protruding from their brassieres, is an experience in itself. Add to that some Eastern European flavour, the Village People and a cowgirl fetish and you have yourself one of the potentially strangest shows at this year’s Fringe - The Doormats. With aspirations to headline WOMADelaide 2008, the four Bulgarian ‘cowgirls’ known as The Doormats have heightened expectations. Somehow I don’t think their off-key harmonies and occasional breaks of baritone voice in amongst an attempt at high pitched femininity will be looked upon by the WOMADelaide committee as musical genius. Rather, this cabaret slash country musical slash drag queen show is bizarre and tacky. But, it is knowingly so and somewhere through their flawed accents and corny acting, you can’t help but sit with the smallest of smirks. Hardly a show to queue up for, but certainly an experience, you’ll truly feel as if you have stepped into an outlandish parallel universe.
Kerry Loyson
The Doormats continues in The Hard Rubbish Café on Thu Mar 22, Fri Mar 23 and Sat Mar 24 at 10pm.

THE RAMBUTAN CIRCUS COLLECTIVE – MENAGERIE
Higher Ground, Wed Mar 14
If you’ve always had a fetish for the mystery and wonder of early 1920s sideshow performance, then be sure to step into the Menagerie of the Rambutan Circus Collective for an amazing experience. These four talented young performers create myriad exciting and sometimes dangerous sideshow performances, combining contortion, juggling, clowning, flame swallowing and more, all set amidst a delightful 1920s with a groovy jazz soundtrack. Rather than just being a series of disjointed tricks however, the Rambutan Circus Collective manages to bring everything together in a clever theatrical performance that will have you laughing, clapping, cheering and sitting on the edge of your seat, often all at the same time! A fine collection of performances from some very talented people; this is definitely circus at its best!
Luke Balzan
Menagerie continues at Higher Ground until Sun Mar 25.

JASON CHONG – MINORITY RETORT
Belgian Beer Café, Thu Mar 15
Generally, modern Australia is regarded a reasonably egalitarian society (albeit letting the occasional Pauline Hanson or John Howard through the gaps), but I think at one point or another, most Aussies like to have a bit of a laugh at some of the minority racial groups. Austral-Asian comedian Jason Chong (who was awesome in last Fringe’s Sort Of The Rings) has decided to pick up on those slight racial tendencies to bring us Minority Retort, an hilarious show that has a fun laugh at the small differences of our multicultural society. No one is left unscathed, from Asians to Wogs (like me!) to Germans to Jews, Jason cleverly turns what is usually a touchy subject into a laugh-fest, complete with audience participation and all (I was lucky enough to become Jason’s model immigrant!). Whether you’re an Asian like Jason, an Aussie with a foreign background, or a good ol’ white Skippy, you’ll get a Bruce Lee style kick out of this one!
Luke Balzan
Jason Chong brings his multicultural feast to the Belgian Beer Café until Sat Mar 31.

DUDE, I’M A UNICORN
The Garden Shed
Sat Mar 18
“Thanks for taking a chance on a show you know nothing about,” Derek Flores offers by way of introduction. Best known as one of The Three Canadians, Derek’s opening words are both a genial welcome and a concession to this show’s ‘under construction’ status. Filling a schedule left empty by the absence of Greg Fleet, Derek’s solo stand-up show is a strange mix of superheroes, cruise ships and, of course, a unicorn. The mythical being, zealously played by Derek somewhere between Snagglepuss and Donkey from Shrek, links surreal vignettes that offer the funny man the chance to play to his effervescent strengths. Mexican wrestlers quoting Whitney Houston and toffy monocle wearing balloonists make absurd appearances before the show combusts in a fast-paced ending of improvised audience-assisted storytelling. Derek’s eager demeanour ensures this bizarre tale is fun, if not side-splitting.
Scott McLennan
Dude, I’m A Unicorn continues at The Garden Shed until Sun Mar 24.

Mickey D – Shame 101
Rhino Room Downstairs, Adelaide
Tue Mar 13
If you have a problem with jokes about bodily functions, the only advice you need is to stay away from Shame 101: you aren’t going to enjoy yourself. Almost everyone else, however, can expect something of a treat. Mickey D takes on some of the things that have shamed him over the years – of which being caught masturbating by his dog is just one – and it’s an entertaining but earthy list with plenty of funny asides.
Along the way he works in plenty of social observation, and since he’s an Adelaide boy himself, back from London for the Fringe and seeing things with fresh eyes, he has plenty to say that’s of interest to the audience. The rude humour is what gets most of the laughs, but it’s the observation – including some stories about his family and how they’ve changed while he’s been away – that proves just how good a comedian he is.
Gary Cockburn
Mickey D – Shame 101 continues at Rhino Room until Sat Mar 31.