Old Man River
SoCo Cargo, Fri Feb 29
While a metal shed has many uses, it’s not great at suppressing the sound of 200 music fans. SoCo Cargo’s a cool venue pitched somewhere between the finesse of Boho and the function of Jive, but its acoustics cause Sydney act Old Man River’s set to be initially marred by crowd noise. While the band fight against the boisterous atmosphere via rocking takes on their normally sunny tunes – including new tracks You Are On My Mind and the country sounds of Table For Two - the turning point comes when frontman Ohad Rein jumps onto the SoCo bar for an acoustic take on I Want To Love You Now. Finally holding the audience’s undivided attention, the cheery guitarist hits his sing-along stride with Trousers and the infallibly optimistic finale La. Still bigger overseas than in Australia, Old Man River’s SoCo shows are another small victory on the road to local success.
Scott McLennan

Jason Chong: Emotichong
Electric Light Hotel, Fri Feb 29
Shrewdly adopting an entangled theme of emotion into his comedy act, Jason Chong underpinned all forking topics with sentiments of greed, happiness, laziness and of course horniness, delving into somehow related areas such as his room-mate’s female encounters, his experiences with being introduced to two of South Australia’s renowned football players and the debut introduction to his girlfriend’s parents. Using data gathered from a census conducted with close friends, colleagues and Adelaide’s citizens, in which emotion was the dominant matter, Jason Chong’s performance had its moments. With a comfortable, carefree stage presence, Chong’s interaction with the crowd was particularly charming. Occasionally causing bouts of laughter - which was specifically witnessed during his Optimus Prime display - it was, however, principally washed over with more average, ordinary moments and an over-reliance with the Powerpoint presentation. A tolerable effort.
Kerry Loyson
Emotichong continues at Electric Light Hotel at 8pm until Sat Mar 15.

Township Stories
Royalty Theatre, Sat Mar 1
Being South African, I was particularly eager to see this performance. This tale, set against the backdrop of post-apartheid township realities, removes all bandages, plasters and bubble wrap from life’s existence and exposes the bare flesh beneath; the terrifying, raw, candid and repeatedly sugar-coated truths that are too often overlooked. This theatrical performance was marvellous. Compelling, gripping and extreme, Township Stories is an eye-opener. It transports you from your snug and safe world and brutally shines a spotlight on external truths. With first-class acting, authentic language and music and imaginative stage props and alterations, its core significance is crucial. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, it is as confronting and powerful as any theatrical performance gets. It will inspire, educate and move and while it may be a little lengthy, it is one piece of art that is sure to imprint itself on your memory. Commanding.
Kerry Loyson
Township Stories continues at Royalty Theatre until Sun Mar 9.

Kieran Butler Claims Collingwood Ruined my Life
The Cavern Club, Fri Feb 29
While the crowd may have been small at The Cavern Club, the laughs weren't, as Kieran Butler exposed the inner workings of a Collingwood fan’s brain and how his successes and failures in life have been inexplicably intertwined with those of his favourite footy team. From marriages, break-ups and other failed relationships, Kieran Butler shows how his hopes of Collingwood success has resulted in the team ruining his life over the course of the years... except in 1990. Nothing in footy was sacred on the night, including the game’s newest breed, lesbian footballers. But don't let that scare you off, as the show was insightful and covered some important issues such as where will kids learn to swear if the game is cleaned up too much? A great show for all footy fans, if for nothing else than a good dose of Collingwood bagging as you sip on a fine brew of Chugga Lugga Stubba!
Peter Lanyon

Wonderland
The Promethean, Mon Mar 3
Close your eyes and prepare your senses to be transported back to the late night hip, groovy, swingin’ and smokin’ jazz clubs of an integral era in music gone by. Spotlights and solos perfectly on cue, with well constructed originals and a few standards that hypnotised the audience into blissful toe tapping and head nodding frenzies! A vintage Birdcage microphone skillfully seduced by the hauntingly smooth and sultry vocals of Lauren Henderson, you could be forgiven if you thought you were seeing apparitions of Ella, Nina and Billy all rolled into one very gorgeously talented vocalist! Exceptionally tight and competent musicianship exuded by Evan Whetter (grand piano), Alana Dawes (double bass) and the excellent rhythmic suave of YoHan Lee, who left no drum skin or shell untouched! A musically magical show!
Angie Starr
Wonderland continues at The Promethean at 8pm until Tue Mar 4.

Under Milk Wood
Royalty Theatre, Mon Mar 3
Guy Masterson returns to the Fringe with his wonderful interpretation of Dylan Thomas’ story. Masterson handles the incredible workload expertly and with great affection. He plays every part with meaning, from Captain Cat, the blind old sea captain, to the children playing in the schoolyard. The conversations between Mr and Mrs Pugh are marvellous, but it is probably foolish to single out any single aspect of the show. I could almost see the street scenes from the village as the residents went about their daily business. For two hours, Llareggub was there before me. The simple, yet effective, lighting and sound augment Masterson’s performance, and the whole thing is a joy to watch. There’s one performance of Under Milk Wood to come – get your ticket now.
David Robinson
Under Milk Wood continues at Royalty Theatre at 2.30pm on Mon Mar 10.

Believe with Linda Marlowe
Holden St Theatres, Sun Mar 1
Linda Marlowe is fantastic in the one woman play Believe. Maintaining a magnificent energy throughout we felt intrigued as Linda played four diverse characters - traitor, warrior, widow, martyr - with distinct personalities that are somehow so familiar we don't need to know their names. As a sex worker who lost her innocence at age 16, Linda's character captures her experience of sex work with a vulnerability and wisdom. At one point she expresses with humour and poignancy, “You get a pretty clear picture of life when you're lying on your back all day”. The second character takes us through seven victorious steps from victim/attacked to victor/attacker. We then meet the third character who poetically mixes loss, grief and confusion when perplexed by the death of her child and the loss of her husband. The fourth character witnesses what is every parent’s worst nightmare, the murder of her children. Never breaking down, this character also challenges our notion of what a mother is 'supposed' to act like in this instance. Drawing upon little but a great script, well selected accompanying music and a sparse set, Linda’s performance will have you believing. Get along to this production!
Sam & Rach
Believe continues at Holden Street Theatres at various times until Sat Mar 15.

Side By Side By Sondheim
Burnside Ballroom, Thu Feb 28
The classic art deco Burnside Ballroom aptly evokes the epoch showcased in Side By Side By Sondheim, a collection of early songs by the great musical dramatist Stephen Sondheim. The highlights of the show occur when the Burnside Players work to the high camp facets of Sondheim’s work in Gypsy, Follies or The 7% Solution. Standouts include Tiffany Welden-Hey, channelling the archetypal sassy blonde broad of Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe, while the comic duets between Meg Tucker and Andrew Monks reflect the duo’s vocal and comedic talent. Verity House showcases an accomplished voice and Emma Charlton turns on wide-eyed charm, but Cara Louise Brown is the real showstopper, with an amazing voice and costumes to match. Throughout the 28-song performance Karen Snape and Paul Hilton accompany on piano, both supporting and, occasionally, overwhelming the singing. Despite its excessive length, this piece includes some truly memorable performances from talented Adelaide thespians.
Jennifer Stokes
Side By Side By Sondheim continues at Burnside Ballroom at various times until Sat Mar 8.

Dave Graney… Point Blank
The Garage International, Thu Feb 28
“This character comes back and everything makes sense.” Dave Graney is walking from table to table with a small white plastic idol of himself; there’s no mistaking his style. This is a trademark Dave Graney show; the rakish tilt of his hat, his lyrical depth, good humour and cynicism are all present. Point Blank takes you on a journey in a series of songs based around a single theme, the War Of Art. Is it cabaret? Is it a musical? Who cares? The unadorned yet evocative performance shows Dave Graney just wants to reach you. Often hilarious, always mind-altering, Lieutenant Colonel Commander Graney is accompanied by Clare Moore on percussion and vocal and Mark Fitzgibbon on piano, both augmenting Graney’s formidable vision.
BT Cassidy

Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Mouse
Higher Ground, Thu Feb 28
Where is the Mouse? Cheese here! Hosting a variety show in an underground living room setting with house band, Monski spins her Wheel Of Love for audience contestants. A light-hearted, funny take on the poignant search for self in the middle years. Nibbling on cheese, this little mouse with a zigzag between her ears had so much fun herself, the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Quirky cabaret. Mouse-centric re-workings of songs such as Send In The Mouse performed with confidence. Delightfully true. Endearing and charming. The audience smile with her. Pink. Joyful. Original. Cute! One is left feeling fond of little Monski Mouse in her baggy, sequined costume. Definitely go! Monski gives vermin a good name.
Angie Starr & Kim Mann
Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Mouse continues at Higher Ground at 7pm until Sat Mar 15.

The Magic Of Nicholas Tweedy
The Cavern Club, Sat Mar 1
Nicholas Tweedy’s show of magic and mentalism showcases his unique talents through levitating, mind reading and card tricks. The end results are astonishing, but the elaborate journey to get there takes a bit of the shine off the predictable conclusion. When it came to his final, much anticipated act of the night I was overwhelmed by a great sense of familiarity when Tweedy pulled out the forks a la the great Uri Geller. Tweedy’s use of humour and laid-back style helped deliver an interesting performance that left you pondering the constant question, ‘How did he do that?’.
Col C
The Magic Of Nicholas Tweedy continues at The Cavern Club at various times until Wed Mar 12.

Heart, Sword And Perseverance
The Garage International, Sat Mar 1
A somewhat unusual venue, a modest but intrigued crowd and a half-hour (recruitment?) movie that was sometimes amateurish but also frequently illuminating. Co-producer/director/editor/et cetera Andrew Bush’s documentary (in association with Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo and other martial arts groups) follows the cultural conceptions of the ninja, the truth of the form (ninjutsu) versus the images portrayed in cinema (and beyond) and the continuing study of the form into the present day, with high-rankers including Roy Wilkinson, Grandmaster Takamatsu, Grandmaster Hatsumi and others explaining the title and attempting to offer an explanation as to why they continue with the mysterious pursuit. An absolute must for devotees of such disciplines - while others will be reassured that it isn’t, in fact, possible for a ninja to perform a backwards triple-somersault through helicopter blades.
DB
Heart, Sword And Perseverance takes place at The Garage International at 5pm on Sun Mar 9.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
Old Adelaide Inn (Wakefield Room), Sat Mar 1
Just one of the offerings from Interactive Theatre Australia, this cringingly funny evening’s entertainment begins with ‘Basil Faulty’ (a formidable Nigel Bell), a nightmarishly-bewigged Sybil (Alison Pollard-Mansergh) and the uncannily authentic Manuel (Andy Foreman when I caught the show and Tony Nixon later) summoning the ‘guests’ from the cocktail bar and attempting to seat them in the restaurant. As the three course meal is served, the deliciously stressful fun begins: Basil scolds one and all for putting their elbows on the table and drips John Cleese-calibre contempt; Sybil ‘sings’ birthday wishes (eeeek!); the much-abused Manuel engages in an elaborately obvious but nonetheless joyous plate-breaking gag; and set-ups straight from the series Fawlty Towers kick off in earnest, including the horse-racing bet trick, a brief ‘Don’t Mention The War’ glimpse and, to everyone’s sheer delight, the escaped rat (“Is Siberian Hamster!”) routine (and no, it doesn’t involve actual vermin). Traumatically hilarious - or should that be hilariously traumatic? - this is genuinely one of the Fringe’s best and worth every penny (and insult).
DB
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience continues at Sarah’s Café, Strathmore Hotel and the Old Adelaide Inn on select dates throughout the Fringe until Sun Mar 16.

Taylor Made – The Songs Of James Taylor

Nexus Caberet – Lion Arts Centre, Fri Feb 29
US folk rock singer-songwriter James Taylor’s music is practically the definition of “dad rock” – so, appropriately enough, I decided to let my dad review this heartfelt tribute show: “Luke Thompson’s seven-piece band does more than justice to the warmth of James Taylor’s songs in this homage. From the familiar quiet acoustic numbers to up-tempo pieces and a re-worked and jumping Steamroller Blues, this is a tribute that really works. Thompson has the perfect voice for the task and his enthusiasm for his subject is obvious. The guitar accompaniments and keyboards are highlights, and Shower The People hinted at a real talent in the backing vocals. This feel-good night of nostalgia for most in the audience found the band (almost) unprepared for an encore.” Nice work, dad – and you too, Luke.

Owen & Ross Heitmann

Jazz At The Black Note
Dom Polski Centre, Fri Feb 29
The legendary Dom Polski Centre is the ideal venue for jazz, where we heard the well-measured and tastefully modulated saxophones (tenor and soprano) of Mr James Annesley and his able and supportive ensemble. Advertised as a quartet but actually a trio, Corey Hall played double bass and Rob Eyers played drums. The band presented sensitive and free roaming renditions of great tunes such as You Don’t Know What Love Is and Bye Bye Blackbird with an elegant and deliberately understated intensity, not to mention a decent nod to authenticity and genuine style. Hall’s bass playing was a highlight during the Latin numbers, well backed up by Eyers’ drumming, who made a solid effort to play within the range of the musical era the band was successfully evoking.
Ricky Hooper
Jazz At The Black Note continues at Dom Polski Centre at 7pm until Sun Mar 16.

The Essential Fitch & John
Electric Light Hotel, Fri Feb 29
This duo, Jarrod Fitch and Scott John, are indeed a handsome pair. Decked out in matching grey suits, they could have been Mormons except for the material they delivered. John’s ‘Shit Bar Jokes’ and Tiger Airlines observations were hilarious, while Fitch kept the audience amused with his John Howard/Kevin Rudd impersonations. Highlights included the Plight Of The Polar Bear and the Naked Debt Collector improvisational sketches, providing maximum audience participation and showcasing exactly why these guys are regarded as real comic talents.
Rosie van Heerde
The Essential Fitch & John continues at Electric Light Hotel at 9pm until Sat Mar 15.

Do You Remember?
QA Bar - The Annex, Fri Feb 29
The wonderful vocals provided by local songstress Ria Loof, as well as Peter Noble and Rose Senesi, transported the audience back to the sequins and glitter of that beloved disco era where real men wore spandex and women didn’t seem to notice. Following the trials and tribulations of a young couple in and out of love, this show manages to pack in all the chartbusters of the era such as Got To Get You Into My Life, Blame It On The Boogie, Lady Marmalade and more. It was impossible to sit in the audience and not yell out to the person next to you – “Oh my God, I remember this one!”. Definitely a dream come true for all those tragic disco devotees out there.
Rosie van Heerde
Do You Remember? continues at the QA Bar at 7.30pm until Sat Mar 8.

The Real World
PJ O’Briens, Fri Feb 29
The Real World is based on some linked elements of philosophy spun as comedy and naturally includes sex, drugs and politics. Ben Darsow is a local bloke, comedy finalist and award winner, he has confidence without being cocky and he has great engagement with his audience, being able to include them without necessarily putting them down (which is the usual grist for comedians). Ben’s stand-up routine is punctuated by some visual prompts – thankfully he gave PowerPoint a miss – and towards the end a brief ‘home’ (well, more likely gym) video. He has pretty good links to a number of diverse comments, topics and lines that sadly includes a mention of Port’s last major game (how could that ever be funny?)! Support local comedy and go and see this show.
Clayton Werner
The Real World continues at PJ O’Briens at 9.30pm until Sat Mar 15.

Songs From The Heart: Songs By Women For Women From Medieval France
St. Cyprian Church, Fri Feb 29
Angelic songs with lovely maidens spinning and sewing threads of gold into a felt scroll, singing in voices sweet as mead. Odes and laments, expressions of passionate love by women for their lovers. A fair young maiden scorns her mother for marrying her off, when she prefers her ‘friend’. The music and costumes transport the audience to a time when the nightingale sang under the willow tree, a time of kings, queens, peasants, and crusaders. Songs of disapproving husbands put aside for a lover. Enchanting musical arrangements; Troveresse features a full sized harp, French medieval organetta, tenor recorder and bodran drum. Medieval French sung in dulcet tones. The perfect pitch resounds beautifully in the acoustics of the quaint little Saint Cyprian church. All the evening lacked was a goblet of mead.
Angeli Starr & Kimberley Mann

Nancy Boy
Garage International, Fri Feb 29
Nancy Boy takes a fond but uncompromising verbal stiletto to the fools, hypocrites and proto-fascists of our time, revealing a glimpse of how our imperfect world might look devoid of such ignorance. Probably also explaining the surprising performance maturity of this youthful ‘nance’, the hurly-burly, jugular-orientated political cut-and-thrust of Melbourne’s seedy underbelly takes on the conceits of prime ministers past and present, ‘all gays are lefties’ stereotyping and – inevitably – the politeness of dear old mannered Adelaide. Striking (mostly) pure notes and a range of stock poses, this winsome mover takes full possession of the difficult genre of politico-sexual satire. Warmth and generosity shine through and the home-away-from-home crowd sparkles. Subtle piano accompaniment by Mark Fitzgibbon adds lustre, as does the beautiful high-ceilinged hall whose dimly-lit side entrance provides a beautiful metaphor for the whole illuminating show.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton

Going Ape At The Zoo
Adelaide Zoo, Fri Feb 29
The Adelaide Zoo resonated with the sounds of comedy and laughter, and the occasional lion’s roar. Witty Newcastle comedian Kent Valentine played MC and was hilarious between acts, firstly introducing Adelaide’s own award-winning Mickey D, who was his usual lovable self with his good old Aussie-boy stories, which included a drunken trip to Melbourne’s Crown Casino. Following him was The D, who had no problems with getting laughs when making fun of his quadriplegia. His gym workout and treadmill story, complete with descriptive mime, had everyone rolling with laughter. Adelaide boy Big Al also enjoyed his self-deprecating humour, poking fun at his own excessive weight, while Irish Dave Callan was the perfect closing act. He’s hilarious, confident and relatable. The Zoo is a fabulous atmosphere for comedy, so put it on your Adelaide Fringe 2009 calendar.
Catherine Blanch with Daryl & Bec Shepherdson

Best Of The Fest Late Show At The Gov
Governor Hindmarsh, Fri Feb 29
At just over two hours of solid entertainment, this classic evening promises a ruthless barrage of adult laughs! Not only is Best Of The Fest great value, it promises to have you laughing even if it’s against your better nature. It also holds the sentiment of the Fringe close to its heart: take a chance on the comic line-up – they’re a mix of our local talent and international guests – and all great.
See this for a full-frontal assault of good, solid and slightly naughty laughs in this packed-out venue with vibe. The comedians barely take time to draw breath and neither are you likely to have the chance to.
Jenny Smith
Best Of The Fest Late Show At The Gov continues at Governor Hindmarsh at 10pm until Sat Mar 15.

Deal With It!
Jah’z Lounge, Fri Feb 29
This isn’t a comedy. Isabelle Danforth-Smith delivers a raw and poignant performance in this semi-autobiographical play about the death of a parent and the gamut of emotions experienced in the wake of that death. This small venue in the heart of Fringe-land provides the perfect setting for this intimate experience. It’s thought provoking and you can’t help but be affected by this personal account of grief and how it touches us all. Isabelle’s portrayal as a young 20-something losing her ‘best friend’ is stirring and you really do get a sense of the vulnerability of the soul following such a life changing event.
Belinda Marsden
Deal With It! continues at the Jah’z Lounge until Sat Mar 8.

Music Of The Spheres
Mawson Lakes Planetarium, Sat Mar 1
Certainly a fitting venue for an AV fix! The visuals, from the Planetarium’s night sky displays to the Hubble’s pictures to a selection of ‘starwheel mandalas’, provide a colourful insight into outer and inner space. The audience is very comfortably seated around the Planetarium’s periphery and the aural creation (ie music) of Sacred Resonance is meant to take you into a transcendent plane of existence. Previous shows by these guys have won Fringe Awards, so the audience should have high expectations. However the prospective audience shouldn’t be too put off by the composer’s jargon-filled descriptives. You may or may not have your ‘mind, body, spirit network augmented with joy, ecstasy and freedom’ for 80 or so minutes, but it can be equally enjoyed by sceptics and those who are more attuned to ‘the celestial realms of glory’.
Clayton Werner

The Weather Girl (Very Loosely Based On Vivaldi’s Four Seasons!)
Holden Street Theatres – The Studio, Sat Mar 1
A fan of Tomoaki Hosoyama’s movie The Weather Girl, I can assure the reader this show is not related in any way, but is every bit as quirkily amusing. Based around Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with a sub theme of frustrated and thwarted love, this clever show is pulled together by the cheeky and highly likeable Janet Hattam, who works through a demanding set of difficult and sometimes reassembled songs with appealing and earthy panache. Strongly supported by the delightful well-disciplined Eliza Jones Flute Orchestra, a quintet on its own worth the price of admission, the show segues from season to season, song to song so easily time passes quickly indeed. A most enjoyable show.
Ricky Hooper
The Weather Girl continues at Holden Street Theatres at 8pm on Sun Mar 9 and at 9.30pm on Sun Mar 16.

A Dinner Date With Lorelei And Sarina
Sarah’s Café, Sat Mar 1
A spoof on 1920s stylised feather fan dance. Copacabana. Knee high white Barbarella boots. One expected a little more dancing. The show comprises fantastic costumes and a variety of deliberately sexy poses. Tropical cruise ship feel. How many ostriches were sacrificed for their infamous fan dance? Petite bodies, large, fluffy fans. Soundtracks from Carmen Miranda, Edith Piaf and Nina Simone. Diners were waiting too long between acts. A ventriloquist MC. These two show girls coerced audience members up to shake maracas while they slipped off for a quick costume change. This show relies on sex appeal. Tail feathers quiver. “Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.”
Angie Starr & K*m Mann
A Dinner Date With Lorelei And Sarina continues at Sarah’s Cafe at 7pm on Sat Mar 8 and Sat Mar 15.

Dave Hughes – Hughesy Goes Bananas
Thebarton Theatre, Sat Mar 1
Fantastic as his own spruiker, Dave Hughes and his relatively monotone voice burst onto the stage feeling totally pumped and loving Adelaide during Fringe time. Although I sometimes struggled from behind the boof-head in front on me (why me?), it was hilarious to see how hard Dave works for his art; bulging eyes and a red face as he goes off about things like water restrictions, speeding fines, petrol, football and cricket. Even funnier is seeing him hang his head in hand when he knows he’s gone too far – like sooky attention-seeking Biggest Losers who could have their own competition to see who could do the most reupholstering with their left-over baggy skin. Dave was totally on the ball, and in his own words, “Good on him! Good on everyone! Fuckin’ great to be here!” And it was!
Catherine Blanch

Death By Chocolate
Tin Cat Café, Sat Mar 1
What do you get if you mix murder and mastication? A good-natured gathering at Rundle Street’s funked up Tin Cat Café. Those not already in the know quickly realised they were not in for a passive night of watching the actors do all the work. Our mission: to solve a murder by sifting through clues and interviewing the suspects; a willing and fun bunch of actors who stayed in character throughout the entire ordeal. The actors did their best to aid us wannabe-detectives as we launched in – some more determined than others – through the Tin Cat’s crowds, offering us morsels and titbits of clues, red herrings and rich chocolate delicacies. Do this if you’re seeking something different from the usual slack-jawed onlookers.
Jenny Smith
Death By Chocolate continues at The Tin Cat Café at 8pm until Sat Mar 15.

2008 TheatreSports
Excelsior Hall, Sun Mar 2
In its fifth year of presenting Fringe Festival TheatreSports™, Improv Now! continues its habit of celebrating the absurdly outlandish and sublimely ridiculous. Teams competed for audience approval in a series of challenges that tested swiftness of thought and comic flair to at times marvellous spontaneous effect. There were other moments, however, that were on the painful side, but that’s par for the course in improv theatre. The actors - too many to mention and I can’t remember their names anyway - were energetic and fun to watch, the little guy with ‘Tarzan’ tendencies was especially impressive. In short, a fun, family evening – it has to be since audience participation was limited to G-rated suggestions. It’s definitely worth an hour of your time to go along and enjoy.
Rosie van Heerde
2008 TheatreSports continues at Excelsior Hall at various times until Sun Apr 6.

Melbourne Ukelele Kollective
The Governor Hindmarsh, Sat Mar 1
Is there anything you can’t do with a ukulele? It was the Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society, about 50-strong, who introduced the large audience to the uke, drawing roaring approval. People sat singing, clapping, stamping their feet and laughing in recognition of songs they otherwise knew; with inspired arrangements the ukulele is as evocative as a guitar. The Melbourne Ukelele Kollective dazzled, coming costumed and carrying an array of ukuleles. With kazoos to accompany - and occasionally harmonica or violin - they presented covers from Pink Floyd, Louis Armstrong and Guy Mitchell. We heard examples of Dixieland and Big Band, and clever reggae mash-ups; proving The Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society’s contention that the humble ukulele is an object of legitimate emotional expression. At times a music history, at others a sweet rendering of near memories, with every moment vividly entertaining.
BT Cassidy

Rockapella
Grainger Room Foyer, Sat Mar 1/
Blink And You’ll Miss It
BCS Westcare & Karpandi Arts Centre, Sat Mar 1
A cappella! It is Italian for ‘how to save money on the band’. This involves creating music with nothing but the human voice. It’s something I love and get to see far too seldom, so while the rest of the rock folk were having their brains done in at Soundwave, I hit two different shows sans instruments. Rockapella, having promised reworkings of classic rock songs, certainly had its moments but my suspicion is that they are usually more of a choral collection. Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You was a great start; it was fun and a strong arrangement. Queen’s Somebody To Love was impressive and goose-bump inspiring. While all were fine voices, there was many missed opportunities to utilise 16 singers in more textured ways. There was an impressive section where they did a 5.1 surround thing standing in front, sides and back of the audience which was quite cool. Announcing each set of three songs ahead of time was a mistake, removing any element of surprise from what should have be a surprising set. Happy Birthday Helen (Things Of Stone & Wood) was an unexpected but most welcome inclusion, as was the rousing set closer Rawhide. I found the fact the entire choir were reading from lyric books extremely distracting.
Across town was a different story. Heaven Knows turned in a powerful entertaining and fuller sounding performance with 12 less voices than the first show. Getting off to a great start with Joe Jackson’s Is She Really Going Out With Him, (with the gals scrunching up their noses in response to the musical question) they used good comic timing, some props and impressively arranged material to win this a cappella battle. Covering material from Ben Harper, Paul Kelly, The Beatles and Peter Tosh amongst others, their version of Phil Spector’s To Know Him Is To Love Him was a comic highlight. I could’ve lived without Bright Eyes (There is no version of that song I ever need to hear again unless Rammstein have a go at it), but apart from that it was terrific.
Ian Bell
Blink And You’ll Miss It takes place at Westcare & Karpandi Arts Centre at 8.15pm on Sat Mar 15.

The Greased Lightnin’ Drag Show
Umbrella Revolution, Sun Mar 2
There’s just not enough words to describe how much fun this show is. The cast of Drags Aloud mime along to the words and music of the actual Grease movie soundtrack, as well as some other select tunes that everyone will recognise. Big wigs, glamorous costumes and lots of tongue-in-cheek fun are what’s on offer. A larger than life Sandy is sarcastic, animated and purposely unenthusiastic, Danny is cheeky and smooth, while Frenchy and a pregnant Rizzo are equally outstanding. The dance-off is absolutely spectacular and although the drive-in scene is a bit naughty, that’s no reason to leave the kids at home. The all-ages audience were genuinely mesmerised. This fabulously hilarious, entertaining and glamorous show will invoke uncontrollable laughter and singing. A definite must see!
Catherine Blanch
The Greased Lightnin’ Drag Show continues at Umbrella Revolution at 8.30pm until Sat Mar 15.

And I Can Cook Too…
Colonel Light Hotel, Upstairs, Sun Mar 2
Kristin Van Bodegraven’s catchcry matches her singing voice: defiant and clear. She’s absolutely right - she can and does cook - throughout the show. But, her best offerings are the musings on her ‘journey of self-discovery’ through food, money and love. She weaves her magic on stage and into the audience, teasing one male in particular with all the joy of a kitten with a piece of string. It’s a wonder her enthusiastic victim has any sense left by the end of it all. He’s one of many having a great time. Dinner and light dessert is served after this clever concoction to those who choose it. It’s absolutely delicious, and happily for all there’s not one casserole in sight.
Jenny Smith
And I Can Cook Too… continues at the Colonel Light Hotel at 7pm until Sun Mar 9.

4 Seasons Of Shakespeare: Hamlet
Armoury Lawns (Behind SA Museum), Thu Feb 28
The ethereal setting of the Armoury Lawns behind the SA Museum was perfect for this fantastic rendition of one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most famous plays. As I walked up the path, the heritage buildings gave off an old-worldly exuberance, with fairy lights and Gypsy caravans completing the charming picture, while a cool breeze blew as the outdoor theatre came to life. Local acting troupe Carnival Night Shakespeare have embarked on an ambitious project to bring four different Shakespeare plays – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, and this one, Hamlet – to life for the Fringe, and they’ve done an amazing job! Quality acting was free flowing throughout, with sensational performances from everyone, especially the central characters of Hamlet and Polonius. It was an intense couple of hours that really held you captivated and moved as the play drew to its tragic close. Definitely a show well worth beholding!
Luke Balzan
4 Seasons Of Shakespeare: Hamlet concludes with performances on Fri Mar 7 (7pm and Sat Mr 15 (9.30pm).

Fiona O’Loughlin
Arts Theatre, Fri Feb 29
Prior to seeing this show, I was relatively unfamiliar with the work of Fiona O’Loughlin. Acting on the recommendations of my beautiful fiancé, we headed along to check out the comedienne, and before long, I found myself in stitches! Her clever comedic style, taking in various life observations and particularly concentrating on her own insufficiencies and issues, had the entire audience laughing all way through! Topics as far spaced as Nicole Kidman (I don’t like her either, Fiona!), check-in attendants at Heathrow, nursing staff in rural South Australia, her large family of five kids, and even the Queen and the late Pope, were woven together into a complex journey of the life of a very funny lady from Alice Springs. I’ll definitely be back to see her next Fringe!
Luke Balzan

Nicky Bomba’s Skarnival
Persian Garden, Fri Feb 29
I’ve long been a fan of the music of the insanely talented Nicky Bomba, so when I heard he was to be playing the opening night of the Festival’s Persian Garden, I was more than excited! I headed down to the Torrens and to the Persian Garden for a bit of reggae groove and settled down with a beer on the comfy beanbags at the front of stage, just as Nicky and his crew came out for Skarnival. Instantly, a smile crept across my face! The music was familiar Bomba fare, though with this slightly different line-up, Nicky and co concentrated on the ska side of the reggae spectrum, occasionally bringing in a bit of funk and rock steady. With a percussive interlude taking the band right through the enthusiastic crowd, Skarnival doubtlessly won the hearts of all in earshot. It was yet another brilliant show from one of my favourite Aussie artists, and a perfect way to kick things off at the ever-exciting Persian Garden!
Luke Balzan

East Meets West – 1, 2 and 3
SA Folk Centre, Sat Mar 1
Put together by brilliant guitarist Vincenzo Andreacchio, East Meets West – 1, 2 and 3 is a concept that brings together the sounds of Latin America, Spain, the Middle East, India and China. While those influences may sound quite disparate, the end result was absolutely amazing! The combination of traditional Chinese instruments such as erhu (Chinese violin-like instrument), guqin (stringed instrument played horizontally) and bamboo flute with others such as guitar, bass, mandolin, violin and even Indian tablas was fantastic. The troupe opened with a tune incorporating a couple of Aboriginal guest musicians, and the scene was set for the rest of the night. A combination of traditional and not-so-traditional songs was played, with the audience held captive throughout. It was definitely an exciting experience, and hopefully something we’ll see more of in the near future!
Luke Balzan

A Stab In The Dark
Higher Ground, Sun Mar 2
Taking place in a lonely and haunted mansion, a group of dysfunctional adopted siblings have been reunited at the request of their adopted rich father. Having not seen each other for quite some time, it doesn’t take long before the bickering and mudslinging starts, though the tone of the environment takes a decidedly morbid turn as a body is discovered… A Stab In The Dark brings together a cast of characters representing all aspects of human vice, and everyone quickly exhibits all sorts of ulterior motives as the plot takes all sorts of twists and turns. Played brilliantly by all the players and with some great artistic direction, this one will keep you guessing right till the thrilling conclusion. Remember, nothing is as it seems! Very good indeed!
Luke Balzan
A Stab In The Dark continues at Higher Ground until Sat Mar 15.

The Hiptones
The Promethean, Sun Mar 2
When The Hiptones play, you know the room is going to groan with dancing feet. For those of you who’ve not seen the Adelaide soul phenomena, The Hiptones nurture every element of soul into a thing of sultry beauty, while avoiding clichés with country and blues inspired twists. From Snooks La Vie’s crooning vocal to the warbling of Brother T’s Hammond organ, these boys know how to entertain. Presented again in the sanctified air of The Promethean with its high ceilings and sophistication (after a sell-out show at Theater Bosco) the boys turned it on for Sunday night’s audience with two huge sets to raucous applause from a gentle and relaxed Sunday crowd. With two shows remaining, if you love soul get down to The Promethean.
BT Cassidy
The Hiptones play The Promethean at 9pm on Sun Mar 9 and Sun Mar 16.

Jazz Showcase
Stables, Fri Feb 29
A funky space awaits you, a perfect rustic venue for smooth jazz sounds. Three different bands each night and on this particular night I was delighted by the smooth sultry sounds of the Deanna Djuric Trio and the smooth jazz and cool funky grooves of the Ben Gillard Quartet. The last band to take the stage was the Luke Townsend Quartet, playing those ever-reliable jazz standards to perfection. Each night is different, so you can be guaranteed some fine jazz six nights a week at the Stables. Don’t miss this fantastic array of fine jazz musicians.
Kathryn Barclay
Jazz Showcase continues at Stables, Rundle St, at 6.30pm until Sat Mar 15.

The Beggars Sing Their Heads Off
The Wheatsheaf Hotel Tin Shed, Fri Feb 29
The Wheaty’s Tin Shed stage really sets the scene for this fine acoustic country trio. Just back from an international tour, The Beggars’ smooth tunes and stage presences wooed the audience; these guys are funny and so was the lone cowboy dancing by himself! Quinton Dunne, Stuart Day and Renee Donaghey took us down the country lane with some old classics and some mighty fine original tunes. Add the lush harmonies and different instruments and these guys were grooving.
Kathryn Barclay
The Beggars Sing Their Heads Off plays at Wheatsheaf Hotel at 4pm on Sun Mar 9.

Marmalade Circus
The Promethean, Sat Mar 1
How lucky are we to have the 10-piece jazz/Latin/world jazz troupe Marmalade Circus and its creator, Mark Simeon Ferguson, as part of Adelaide’s jazz music scene? These guys are hot, hot, hot and will heat you like the spiciest chilli to your core with their awesome original and often quirky tunes. They will entertain you, astound you, delight and excite you while having you scream for more. Their silly antics will have you falling off your chair, especially when Tommy Pulford takes to the floor with his own unique style of dance steps. The musicianship is superb, their songs full of big band sounds and driving rhythms from Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean makes this fusion an audio feast, something to get your teeth into and never let go.
Edel Perth

Seven Times Me
The Garage International, Sun Mar 2
Kat Francois narrates her way through her not so remarkable life, with dashes of song and dance and liberal quantities of performance poetry. Not such a remarkable life unless you happen to be born black in contemporary England and an encounter with the police has you handcuffed and almost sent to an asylum even though you’re the victim. Kat engages us in her life story, but more importantly, helps her audience understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of institutionalised racism.
Michael Coghlan
Seven Times Me continues at Garage International @ SAAFL until Sat Mar 15.

Music is My Sex
Electric Light Hotel (The Producers), Sun Mar 2
Rock‘n’roll destroys people’s lives. Nothing new about that message, but Nina Nicols deserves commendation for this gutsy effort – writing and performing the narrative and some original songs of two different singers while playing out their ruin and subsequent redemption. The less educated of the two characters worked better for me and brought back fond memories of Kylie Mole and the rising inflection! Sex, drugs, alcohol and predatory agents are all in the frame and you’re left in no doubt just how fatuous the celebrity world is. At least the music itself retains its integrity – not just sex, but food and companionship for lonely souls in a very shallow world. And Nina has a fine voice.
Michael Coghlan
Music is My Sex continues at Electric Light Hotel (Producers Bar) at various times until Sun Mar 9.

Mark Watson – Can I Briefly Talk To You About The Point Of Life?
Nova Cinema, Thu Feb 28
My Grandpa always said that people with eyes set too close together shouldn’t be trusted. Then again, he also had an old Scottish saying about wives, dogs and walnut trees all being better if you beat them, so perhaps he’s not the greatest oracle for ancestral wisdom. Mark Watson’s deeply set eyes might not have impressed Grandpa, but the Welsh comedian pulses with such fresh congeniality and vitality that he quickly has the audience in awe. Crashing through the ‘fourth wall’ by deliriously starting his show in the audience, Watson takes infectious delight in casting aside comic convention and offers a rambling commentary on life. Unscripted twists (discussions of how to physically ‘crack a shit’ and excitement at the discovery of the term ‘Map of Tassie’) are excitably introduced between quirky and awesome absurdist anecdotes.
Sorry Grandpa, but this skinny Welsh bastard can’t be beaten.
Can I Briefly Talk To You About The Point Of Life? continues at Nova Cinema at 8.30pm until Sat Mar 15.

4 Seasons Of Shakespeare: Macbeth

Armoury Lawn, behind Adelaide Museum, Wed Feb 27
Presented in an outdoor environment with minimalist sets and props, this production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of ambition, murder and madness takes place in the round, keeping the audience in the thick of things. This works particularly well for the climactic confrontation between Macbeth and Macduff (although Banquo’s death is less compelling); however, the acoustics suffer, with about a third of the dialogue hard to make out no matter where you sit. The relatively young cast of Carnival Night Shakespeare deliver a physically contemporary version of the play (with costumes anachronistically mixing cloaks and cammo pants), albeit with somewhat predictable blocking at times. Of course, The Bard’s dialogue is preserved, as much as can be in a 90-minute performance (the final third is brisk – as was the weather this evening: make sure you dress appropriately). Lady Macbeth is appropriately mesmeric; she could probably persuade me to kill someone, too. 

Owen Heitmann

4 Seasons Of Shakespeare: Macbeth continues at Armoury Lawn until Fri Mar 14.

Men Of Steel
Bosco Theatre, Wed Feb 28
This performance is like stepping into a child’s imagination. It’s like taking a colossal leap into the bouncy, artistic and innovative youthful mind where gibberish languages, magnetic and compelling characters and bizarrely warped story lines clutter the headspace. Men of Steel is a child’s imagination. It’s like an Australian puppetry version of Toy Story. Capturing the tale of two cookie cutters and their relationship with other kitchen utensils, this performance of three manic chef animators mimic the lives of ordinarily inanimate objects fascinatingly coming to life. With accompanying music and ingenious expression methods to boot, this theatrical tale is particularly inspiring and captivating. While the three segmented stories may become drawn out, this performance is ideal for all ages and encompasses formalised concepts and experimentations that you wouldn’t have even dreamed of. Allow your imagination to flourish…

Kerry Loyson
Men Of Steel continues at Theatre Bosco and Le Cascadeur at 6.30pm until Sat Mar 9.

Pete Monaghan: ‘Monners’ Maketh The Man
Griffins Head Hotel, Thu Feb 28
There is an overused nightmare scenario: it is the public speech only to realise you are naked, bare for all to see as you deliver your words. Unfortunately for ‘Monners’ he was left in all his glory and we were there seeing it all. Four people - yes, you read correctly, four of us -attended what could quite easily have been labelled ‘Fringe Death 2008’. It’s not the Pete is a bad comedian, he has some really solid material in his show, but comedy is an art that thrives on crowd response and interaction and the four of us couldn’t really offer either. Racing through his material, ‘Monners’ touches on nicknames, life and a somewhat bizarre anti-Liberal government diatribe all within 40 minutes. Somewhat uncomfortably we could watch his confidence breaking down from our seats, reaching his last song he abandoned it midway offering a simple ‘I’ve got nothing’. He is far from the worst at the Fringe, but unpleasant in small numbers.
Shane Scott
‘Monners’ Maketh The Man continues at Griffins Head Hotel at 7.30pm until Sat Mar 15.

Justin Hamilton: Moving
The Garden Shed, Thu Feb 28
Apparently despite what Hollywood will have you believe you can have a trilogy without nerds in costume and stupid special effects. Well, that’s not entirely true - a cow was violated and shot in the room next to us, but that’s a story for another day. Ex-Adelaide boy Hamilton has slowly but surely been building his name on the Australian comedy scene, Moving is the first in his three part series of shows this Fringe. There is no messing around with Hamilton, he bursts onto the stage almost mid sentence and never pauses – except for the death of the cow next door – his energy infectious. As a comic he tells tales from his life, every day relatable scenarios that repeatedly draw laughter with ease. Moving recounts the early stages of his move to Melbourne and love life dramas. The three part series idea could been seen as a money grab but these shows stand up individually also, quality.
Moving continues at The Garden Shed at 9.30pm until Sat Mar 1, proceeded by sequels Calliope (until Sat Mar 8) and The Letter (until Sat Mar 15).
Shane Scott

The Knowing Of Mary Poppins
The Fringe Factory Theatre: The Pastry Bakery, Thu Feb 28
Co-‘conceiver’/director Leah Mercer’s minimal, slightly surrealist, oddly alienating stage version of Valerie Lawson’s biography Out Of The Sky She Came is a strange bird. With, essentially, three players signifying the stages of the life of Mary Poppins creator PL Travers (Stace Callaghan as the ‘child’, Jodie Le Vesconte as the young woman and Margi Brown Ash as the ‘crone’), we explore her hidden life and various international identities: there’s her troubled childhood and time with a weird relative who’s seemingly The Bad Poppins (Le Vesconte); her romance with ‘AE’ (Callaghan); her adoption of son Camillus (Callaghan too); her ascension to celebrity after inventing MP and her mixed feelings concerning Walt Disney (Callaghan here as well); and more, all with curious, distractingly elaborate stage movements and a lot of shrill acting. However, the problem is less with the game enough cast but with the script and the whole conception: basically, despite Travers’ Aussie connection, it’s hard to see why anyone would want to tell this unenlightening biographical tale.
DB
The Knowing Of Mary Poppins continues at the Fringe Factory Theatre at 6pm until Sun Mar 16.

Mickey D - Excess
Rhino Room, Tue Feb 26
A cross between a koala and Amy Winehouse, Adelaide comedian Mickey D returns to the Fringe with a new show, Excess. The hour-long show provides some truly hysterical moments as Mickey D pokes fun at his life with nothing off limits; substance abuse, his oddball family and personal insecurities are all fair game. Let’s face it, Mickey D is a funny bastard, but for me the self-loathing comedy starts to wear after a while with only so many jokes about him getting pissed in the UK funny. The only real criticism of his show however would be the finale; I expect a comedian to build throughout the performance to a crescendo that leaves you chuckling to yourself hours after the show has finished, not questioning the sanity of the man.
Noel Whitcher
Excess continues at Rhino Room at 9.45pm until Sat Mar 15.

Claire Hooper - Story Book
The Pod, Thu Feb 28
The starlet from Good News Week and The Sideshow takes to the Fringe decked out in a horse costume – yep, that’s right, a horse costume! Claire Hooper tries to find the meaning of life through her Story Book, written in her younger years and now connected through real life experiences - from green poo to nipple torture to car parks to share houses to getting engaged and much more. Her routine is clever and witty, but I have to say that when comedians turn to song in their routine it is a worry, especially when they sing as bad as Claire (I think she’d even admit she’s a little woeful). Nevertheless, Hooper was in fine form, delivering a solid show that had plenty of laughs and left punters wanting a little more. So what is the meaning of life? ‘A horse, a horse, a horse horse horse!’
Rob Lyon
Story Book continues at The Pod at 9.45pm until Sun Mar 2.

Duende
Channel Events, Wed Feb 27
The works of Federico Garcia Lorca were used as a structure for this flamenco performance. After a loud intro, the focus was on the lead female dancer who skilfully flourished her green satin skirt. Passionate and histrionic, the star of her own show, she has cultivated the art of finishing a sequence with her hair draped artistically over her face. The two young women danced beautifully. The narrator in his purple gangster hat did a flirtatious dance which seemed to confront some audience members. The dancers and musicians showed considerable mastery over their craft. Lorca’s quotes explore themes of death, perfection and the dark side of the artistic temperament. The dancers devoured the words and Lorca’s ideas contributed depth to the performance. Do not attend this show if you have a disposition towards anxiety.
Angie Starr & Kim Mann
Duende continues at Channel Events at various times until Sat Mar 1.

Trevor Crook – Bone Idol
Fringe Factory Theatre – The Fridge, Wed Feb 27
I confess: I missed the start of Trevor Crook’s act. But, unless his demeanour changed after my arrival, he struck me as the anti-hero’s comic and storyteller. He’s funny but without the Teflon coating of bluff and bravado which some comics wear like a shield. He’s vivid, unsettling, dark and barbed. His quiet storytelling style takes you through more highs and lows than a petrol pricer on a roller coaster.
No stage-strutting for Trevor; he simply stands and delivers the tales of childhood, of employment and then of unemployment with an unassuming air and a wary, vulnerable and very endearing congeniality.
Unsettling in parts, his interactive comedy show and philosophical nature is nevertheless endearing and disarmingly good fun.
Jenny Smith
Bone Idol continues at Fringe Factory Theatre at 9pm until Sun Mar 16.

Classical Indian Hindu Temple Dances
Garage International, North Adelaide Community Centre, Tue Feb 25
Only rapt praise for this show and its solo performer, Shakti. After many years of performance, this intimate 50-minute show won’t shock or offend, but it does entertain and inform.
Shakti has studied Indian philosophy, pooled with her obvious mastery of technique, and love of the Indian mythological stories of the gods, goddesses, humans and animals comes through in every step. She tells and acts out a short synopsis between each dance, bringing greater depth and enjoyment to the audience.
See the roots of Bollywood dance, intertwine it with the mythology of India, a dash of geography, strikingly effective lighting, then let it be served by a performer with the precision and grace of a stellar artist, and voila! It’s a fabulous mix.
Anthea Brotherton
Classical Indian Hindu Temple Dances continues at Garage International at 4pm on Sun Mar 2 and 6.30pm on Sat Mar 15.

Delia And Her Heroes
Dragonfly, Wed Feb 27
The angelic qualities of Delia’s voice and presence enchanted the audience. She has amazing versatility in her voice and original songs with deep and profound lyrics. The evening was a mix of solo and the band accompanying Delia.
Delia sang songs from her heroes, the likes of Ani DiFranco, Bjork and Bowie while the band with their driving rhythms complemented the performance. Dragonfly was a perfect venue for the intimate performance, being a new funky music venue.
Kathryn Barclay
Delia And Her Heroes continues at Dragonfly at various times until Sat Mar 1.

Mommie And The Minister
Big Star Basement, Thu Feb 28
Uncomfortable, disturbing and something that you will keep in your memory for some time! In terms of presenting dark and grotesque theatre, the Big Star Basement, with a make-over, becomes a great set. Lighting, music, costumes and effects, while suitably low budget, are quite well done.
This show is something of a tragicomedy and some of the comedy and melodrama may have you grimacing. However the two main characters (who have been kept in the basement for their lives) make this play work.
The play has layers of disturbed psychological elements and the main characters are believably potty. They will rock your boat and give you plenty to think and talk about.
You may struggle to visit the Big Star Basement to shop for second-hand CDs in the future!
Mommie & The Minister continues at The Basement at 9pm until Sun Mar 11.

Charlie Pickering – Thirteen Ducks
Theater Bosco, Thu Feb 28
Charlie Pickering took us through an hour-long romp of entertaining comedy. He had us all fearing who he would pick on next as he engaged the audience in spontaneous fun. Charlie moved quickly through his stand-up experiences in Africa, turning 30 and duck hunting in New Zealand. He had us in peels of laughter as he cracked one joke after another, commenting on such things as his political views, reconciliation and the ever funny human nature of people. Best of all was Charlie’s ability to impersonate characters from John Wayne, John Howard, Indians and well-bred Africans. As he shared his crazy life with us one gets the feeling that along with the glamour and fame, also comes mad-capped and hilarious experiences just perfect for stand-up comedy. A great show for a laugh and giggle.
Jenny Smith
Charlie Pickering continues at Theatre Bosco at 9.30pm until Sun Mar 2.

Cookie Baker (& SpecialSecretSpells) – Dark Horse In An Ivory Veil
The Tin Cat Café, Thu Feb 28
Under a canopy of leaves and lanterns, Cookie shared her Special Secret Spells. Her image was a collage of avant-garde retro, a strange blend of Gothic Gidget, Ann-Margret-meets-Morticia and a glamorous barefooted Stepford wife! Baker expressed her raw altruistic heart delivering a gentle blend of tasteful tunes with calming, original arrangements and perfect dynamics in all the right places. Cookie is assisted by five talented musicians - bloody good mates of Cookie’s - who, despite the cold, spirited themselves into the feel of the songs. On this unexpected cool evening, lots of banter kept the audience warm. Clever, sophisticated, laid-back, personal and inspiring. Stop stealing her popular promo posters and get to this gig, pronto!
Angie Starr & K*m Mann
Cookie Baker continues at Tin Cat Café at various times until Sun Mar 2.

My Life In A Tablecloth Dress
North Adelaide Community Club, Thu Feb 28
This little gem of a show is a sweet surprise at this year’s Fringe. Written and presented by Joanne O’Callahan after sell-out performances in Melbourne, I left the show with an overwhelming urge to whack on a fru-fru and go op-shopping! O’Callahan counts down her top 10 reasons for op-shopping, mixing her narrative with beautifully crafted song pieces to support the point. Her voice is powerful and controlled, her bubbly personality the perfect accessory for the fun and indeed very original script. A great show for those who need that extra push to cast off the dreaded beige.
Rosie van Heerde
My Life In A Tablecloth Dress continues at the North Adelaide Community Club at 7pm until Sat Mar 2.

Peter Berner
Rhino Room, Thu Feb 28
Just when you think you can’t wait another second, snappily-suited Peter Berner ends the cheeky, wry grin directed at his bohemian surroundings, takes a breath and launches in to analyse life’s quirky paradoxes.
His consummate delivery and acting has it all – he doesn’t hold back and gladly, shamelessly, expounds his theories on snappy-dressing Nazis, drug legalisation, political doubts and penis sizes. All delivered with pride and perfection. You just know he’s genuinely enjoying himself covering adult content without the restriction of TV cameras, and so is the sold-out audience before him.
You know the humour’s just a little bit wrong, but that’s what makes Peter so damned funny. Go – on, give in and laugh! You know you want to, and he’ll make sure you do.
Jenny Smith
Peter Berner continues at Rhino Room, at 8.30pm until Sat Mar 1.

Seven
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tue Feb 26
Leigh Warren and Dancers have a different take on the Snow White fairytale, looking at it from the point of view of the seven dwarfs who are all in love with the same girl. This very imaginative and exquisitely executed work explores the relationships amongst the dwarfs, their self-concepts, the relationships between themselves and the other characters in the tale and the trials and tribulations of an angst-ridden magic mirror. Humour abounds, but there is a considerable poignancy to the work as well. Andrew Bovell’s script gives the dancers a great framework to build upon and the set costumes and lighting are terrific, too.
Barry Lenny
Seven continues at Her Majesty’s Theatre until Sat Mar 1.

Best Of Adelaide Comedy
Rhino Room, Tue Feb 26
The Rhino Room presents a grab bag of some of Adelaide’s up and coming comedy talents, from established names such as Big Al to lesser-known faces, with astounding original material. In a nightly rotating line-up, stand-outs on review night included The D, a wheelchair-bound comedian whose jokes cover not just his future interment behind a wall of wheelbarrows, but his experiences as a pilot and sharp observations of daily stupidity. Jason Chong shone on Tuesday night with fast laughs and quick observations, culminating in an extraordinary skit for the hearing impaired. Rounding out the night in the Legends spot was the fun-loving Big Al, who, though overshadowed by Jason Chong’s wit, delivered solid laughs. Get out and see Adelaide’s up and comers line up beside some of the best we have to offer.
BT Cassidy
Best Of Adelaide Comedy continues at Rhino Room at 6pm until Sat Mar 15.

Grabowsky & Leske Play JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations
Elder Hall, Tue Feb 26
In 1741, one of Bach’s last releases was his Keyboard Practice. Remember, that JS was the man who essentially invented our musical dictionary and this preceded the invention of the piano.
The evening began with Leske playing the 30 variations and if you closed your eyes, you could imagine Bach playing harpsichord (rather than the grand piano on the stage). If you get a chance to see a master pianist such as Leske, try to get a seat where you can see the hands at work!
Following the interval, Grabowsky improvised the 30 variations, and this time there was evidence of both artist and piano (quite a different character than the instrument that these were originally written for). With darker chordal elements, stronger rhythmic sections and some very colourful and witty musical interpretation, Grabowsky also showed us glimpses of where Bach’s work has been used in later composition.
Clayton Werner

2morrow Will Do
QA Bar – The Annex, Mon Feb 25
Interspersed with live musical interludes, 2morrow Will Do, brainchild of writer/director/actor Marcel Blanc-de-Wilt, centres around the lives and aspirations of a core group of late teen friends: chef, Dan (Paul Stalenhoef), girlfriend and talented artist, Kay and Dan’s best mate, irrepressible dreamer, hopeful actor and lay-about, Ron. After pre-empting his success by proclaiming Sydney is awaiting his royal presence (only to find out he has failed his NIDA audition for the third time!) Ron gets kicked out of home. Refusing to support himself by traditional means (ie: getting paid work) he progresses to leech off hard-working Dan, oblivious to the strain and turmoil he causes. Disturbingly, Ron dreams up a new project, Jihad, The Musical, or is that ‘musli-cal’? A touching, observed look at teenage relationships at times, as well as a musical farce, it’s this sometimes silly but entertaining humour that forms the basis of 2morrow Will do.
Jenna Bonavita
2morrow Will Do continues at The Annex at various times until Tue Mar 11

Amelia Jane Hunter Is Keith Flipp/Meat The Musical
Fringe Factory Theatre – The Fridge, Tue Feb 26
As drinking, drug-taking bogan Keith Flipp, over-the-top drag queen Fanny Hygiene and a hugely entertaining Irish nurse (all of whom reside in the body of poor, uptight Amelia Jane), Hunter wraps her audience in an emotionally stunning expose of life as a ‘vanished twin’. The pathos of the situation is all the more intriguing as we realise Keith – absorbed by his sister in the womb and allowed ‘out’ once every three months – can only ever be recognised as male when he performs as a drag queen. Such turmoil is cleverly portrayed by Hunter in a frantic, furious monologue rich in energy and delivered with a beautiful command of character throughout. An intelligent and edgy performance, Hunter stretches the boundaries of comedy to present a darkly hilarious piece of pure theatre.
Rosie van Heerde
Meat The Musical continues at the Fringe Factory Theatre at 10pm until Sun Mar 2.

Ripple Effects
The Lipodome, Tue Feb 26
Upstairs at the Lipodome a sassy trio of actresses lie in wait. Accompanied by pianist Michael Morley, the three offer honest observations into love, romance and relationships through their alternately comical and soulful songs.
For my money, the most fun moments were best such as the cheeky adaptation of You Are Sixteen, Going On Seventeen. Also be sure to get into the blousy, sultry rendition lamenting the perils of vodka and empathise with more melancholic numbers.
Ripple Effects make a splash with a fiery and fun package. If you’re up for cabaret in intimate surrounds or just want to remember how it is to cooking for one, this entertaining appraisal is for you.
Jenny Smith
Ripple Effects continues at The Lipodome at 6pm until Sun Mar 2

Tombola!
SA German Association, Tue Feb 26
Tombola! is a good old-fashioned love story hiding within some seriously strange goings on. From bingo hall to battleship to the fields of Flanders, this fast-moving performance will keep audiences entertained. Will true love prevail? Is the heroic sea captain all he is cracked up to be? Wearing a range of different masks, the two actors portray seven different characters. Writers Lia Como and Nigel Smith quickly switch from role to role, using minimal costume changes, maintaining the frantic pace of the show. With few props and a little audio support the show depends heavily on the delivery of the dialogue and the skilful movements of the players.
The world premiere season of Tombola! is underway; it’s quite novel, a little bit crazy, and will make you laugh.
David Robinson
Tombola! continues at the SA German Association, 223 Flinders St, until Wed Mar 5.

Hot Pink Bits Rides Again
Fringe Factory Theatre - The Pastry Bakery, Tue Feb 26
Like a savant in a lolly shop who knows all the products, Penny Ashton’s character takes a burlesque (possibly even educational) ride through the proclivities and history of the Global Sex Trade. From porn to pies, from Mesopotamia to Alice Springs, we are taken through the desires and fetishes of several millennia. Ms Ashton is at her best when she interrupts the script, but this is no stand-up act. A serious theatre piece despite its irreverence, Hot Pink Bits Rides Again is lovingly constructed of satire, singing, dancing, puppetry and impressively well-handled audience participation routines. Warm humour turns the no-holds-barred (sorry), sometimes confronting subject matter into food for laughter, thought and more than a couple jaw-dropping moments. Fact-filled, from the first tease to the last, this is humour that avoids the sleaze which the topic of sex so often attracts. Not for the squeamish. Fantastic venue - take a cushion.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton
Hot Pink Bits Rides Again continues at Fringe Factory Theatre - The Pastry Bakery at 10.30pm until Sun Mar 16.

Grrilla Step
Soco Cargo, Wed Feb 27
Adelaide, the drum tolls for you now. In fact it more than tolls, it crashes through in a wave of sound. Textured levels of drumming slamming into your face, infectious rhythms defying you to stand stone faced like a techno fan while your entire body grooves seemingly involuntarily. Grrilla Step is tribal performance art meets hip hop culture; the man seemingly controlling it all is DJ Dexter operating the turntables, but it is much more than a DJ show. Opening with dancing and log drummers direct from the pacific islands the show also incorporates krump and live rapping. At any one stage there can be log drums, live drums and drums from Dexter’s turntable providing sound for the krump dancers violently sharp movements. The Royal Fam Krump crew from Melbourne almost managing to steal the show, each member bringing an increasingly loud crowd response. A must see for music fans.
Shane Scott

Kate Miller-Heidke
SoCo Cargo, Wed Feb 27
The large chalk letters on the SoCo blackboard tell the story that the snaking line of patrons outside the venue merely reiterates: Kate Miller-Heidke – Sold Out. After recently marrying her guitarist Keir Nuttall and notching up platinum sales of her debut album, Little Eve, Kate’s appearance in the Garden Of Unearthly Delights seems fitting considering her vibrant visual allure, comic crowd banter and magical music. Fresh from a show with Cyndi Lauper, tonight Kate’s bouffant hairstyle appears to owe a debt to her new friend (a stranger on Rundle St earlier suggested to the blonde star that it looked like a tomato). While tonight’s set is short, it’s a compact summary of her Little Eve achievements (Words, Make It Last, Mama), fan favourites (Career Advice, Space They Cannot Touch, You’re The Voice) and new songs such as God’s Gift To Women and operatic country tune Pretty Much. Finesse Cargo.
Scott McLennan

Underwhere
City Manhole Pit, Wed Feb 27
Lucy Wilson and Jannah Skye Partington perform this enchanting installment for Lucy Who productions on and under a city street. There is a narrative of sorts, but its charm and appeal derives largely from the fact that it’s visually extraordinary. Not only because it’s like nothing you have seen before, but for the series of images accompanied by sound and dialogue that are triggered by a tragic event in a young girl’s life. Symbolism and metaphor operate on the unconscious while you simultaneously can’t help but observe the reactions of incidental pedestrians and motorists passing by. Pointed words and graceful acrobatics combine to produce a visual and sensual treat. Despite addressing ‘the underworld of ourselves’, you leave with a sense of wonder. Delightful.
Michael Coghlan
Underwhere continues at the City Manhole Pit until Fri Feb 29.

Tom Gleeson – Tom-A-Thon
Nova Cinema 1, Wed Feb 27
Tom engaged the audience from the moment he got on stage and he thoroughly entertained us for the next 70 minutes. Tom was delightfully frank about his newly married status and he shared some of the finer and not so fine aspects of being committed. His tales of parenting practice on his small nephews had us all in stitches, with Teddy Bears nailed to trees all over Fitzroy. Tom then shared his thoughts on having a gay brother climb out of the closet and confront family members. He punched his way through the subject until he found that soft accepting place where we all should be. Tom’s last story of the night highlighted the silliness of youth with too much beer in them and not enough sense to share around.
Sandy Werner
Tom-A-Thon continues at Nova Cinema 1 at various times until Sat Mar 15.

Chad Romero’s ‘Kinkee Report’
Caos Cafe, Wed Feb 27
Welcome aboard flight XXX69 and be aware of your ‘flirtation’ device! Your Cabernet Cabaret crew are with you: Martin Aujard on sax/vocals, Deryck Charles on keys/vocals, Andy Rodda on guitar/vocals and of course, your captain, the king of cheese and bad fashion, Chad Romero. Laugh yourself silly at the combination of musical styles: AC/DC done as a swing with a bit of Sonny & Cher and Deep Purple; KISS and Del Shannon, all presented with a twist of cabaret and a big chunk of psychosis! Visual footage aids the sexual exploration, as do Chad’s way-too-hopeful body appendages… Rubber, lycra, sensitive area protection cups and bike shorts - it’s all here! The Dominatrix and Dear Penis songs are so supremely wrong but mostly keep an ear out for the sheep son - ewe won’t believe it... oh, sorry!
Jenna Bonavita
Kinkee Report continues at Caos Cafe at 9.30pm until Sat Mar 1.

The Showpony Tour Presented By Hans
Mars Bar, Wed Feb 27
More than the music, more than the quality, more even than the exuberance, it is the sheer physicality of this show that floors you. On a small stage thrust into the three-sided audience a disconcertingly tall, athletic Hans sings and dances his way through numbers ranging from Berlin cabaret through to Vegas showgirl. He is accompanied with style and grace by the Lucky Bitches (diminutive, spectacularly good dancers with amazing synch) and the Ungrateful Bastards (an accomplished and extremely versatile four-piece band), all very easy on the eye. The in-between bits of chat are cheeky, conceited and all you might expect from a larger-than-life, high-camp pretty boy who may or may not share genes with Julian Clary but in any case is Adelaide’s own. The closing dance sequence is a must-see in anyone’s terms. All in all, an impressive showcase for a developing performer with a day job in radio.
Kate Battersby & Ian Newton
The Showpony Tour continues at the Mars Bar at 8.15pm until Fri Mar 7.

Meow Meow In Beyond Glamour: The Absinthe Tour
Theater Bosco, Wed Feb 27.
Meow Meow is a blow-you-away cabaret sensation that you’d be sorry to miss. Armed with an eclectic mix of song and dance that takes you right back to the Weimar years, she is at once smoky, flamboyant, sexy and completely hilarious. In parodying the helpless female, Meow Meow descends upon unsuspecting males in the audience, demanding their absolute devotion, and mostly getting it. Her physicality is side-splittingly funny as these poor gentlemen are forced to carry, flip, lift and spin her around the stage in response to her barking demands. Meow Meow has long been praised for her magnificent voice – classic and powerful, her special gift is being able to ‘shred’ a note and still sound amazing. Most definitely one of the best.
Rosie van Heerde
Meow Meow continues at Theater Bosco at 11pm until Wed Mar 5.