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

Every Film Ever Made
The Pod, Tue Feb 19
If Every Film Ever Made was a movie, it would be the 10 minute version of Predator my mate Alex filmed aged 12. Sure, the production values were non-existent, a plot was predominantly missing and the prop budget didn’t extend past $10, but the energetic recreation of celluloid glories allowed moments of genius to shine through. If you take pride in spotting Stormtrooper bloopers in Star Wars, knowing Meat Loaf played the bus driver in Spice World or can quote key phrases from Christopher Walken’s Pulp Fiction scene, the energetic Every Film Ever Made is tailor-made for you. Movie mash-ups assault you like Danger Mouse DJing DVDs, with Ace Of Base popping up in Casablanca, Bridget Jones invaded by Alien Vs Predator and the death of Artax in The NeverEnding Story prevented by Superman. While some references are obscure (Say Anything?) it makes that smug feeling when you’re in on the joke that much sweeter. Whoa.
Scott McLennan
Every Film Ever Made continues at The Pod and Theater Bosco until Sat Mar 15.

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.

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.

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 6.30pm on Sat Mar 15.

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 seventy 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 closest 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 Gleeson continues at Nova Cinema 1 at various times until Sat Mar 15.

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.

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

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).

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, 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 ten-piece Jazz/Latin/World-Jazz troupe Marmalade Circus and its creator, Mark Simeon Ferguson's 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 asylumed 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 until Sat Mar 15.


Music Is My Sex
Electric Light Hotel, Sun Mar 2
Rock and 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.