Mar 01

FRINGE – Op Shop Tour – 3.5 K

By Caroline Melia

This event is a quirky way to spend 4 hours of the day in the company of like minded others looking for the best bargains Adelaide has to offer.

The bus was full when we set off from the first stop in the city centre and it soon became clear that the event has a dedicated following of regular attendees who were as enthusiastic about the trip as the presenter herself. While the bus was on the move, we were asked to share stories about op-shops and explain what we were looking for and why. This gave the day a good sense of camaraderie and as the bus progressed we were asked to collectivity to look out for particular items that people were searching for.

The bus takes you to six different stores and there is a tea stop with freshly made scones. All the shops that you visit are run by charities so you also know your money is going to a good cause.

There is quite a tight schedule and the day I attended there were some latecomers, so we were constantly pushed on by the clock. This gave the day a rather frenzied feel and certainly encouraged you to make purchases quickly, although it would have been nice to have more time to look around. If you have a list of things to look for its much easer to focus your foraging.

The bus travels to different shops each day so there should always be good bargains on offer and an incentive to take the trip again.

I recommend taking cash as some of the stores had card limits and to the men that want to attend, you may be the only male on the bus apart from the diver.

Despite the rain, it was a very enjoyable day and something I would recommend to anyone who likes a day of bargain hunting.

Kryztoff Rating  3.5K

Mar 01

FRINGE – Horse – Queens Theatre

By Caroline Melia

There was a small audience for the first night of this comedy/physical theatre cross over: though  this didn’t stop the laughs coming thick and fast; the classic uses of coconut shells setting the mood from the start, be prepared to giggle even when it feels inappropriate.

If you have ever had any interest in horses, this show takes all you know and love from the stables and twists it into a comedy of silliness and satire with some darker edges.

The physical elements of the show have hints of cabaret, ballet and acrobatics, including an unexpected aerial swing (but I don’t want to spoil the surprise too much). There is a wonderfully observed dance that can only be described as ‘human dressage’ and its clear that things are going to get darker after this.

There is some banter back and forth between the audience and the performer, these moments are well structured and engaging ; don’t be surprised if more than one of the audience ends up on the stage at the end.

This show keeps you guessing throughout as to exactly where it is heading, costume changes are as surprising as they are comic and the live singing creates some quite poignant moments of reflection.

The show was well received at the Edinburgh Festival and has travelled well from the UK, I hope it’s as successful in its run here.

Kryztoff Rating   4K

Mar 01

FESTIVAL: Malmo – Vitalstatistix – Waterside – 4K

In the empty space of the Waterside Workers Hall that is Vitalstatistix’s home base, the audience are warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic and friendly couple, seated on small stools along one side of the room, and provided with a glossy magazine, ‘Malmö’.

As the action begins, you recognise the characters – from TV shows, from dinner parties, from the shops. They are the couple who live and breathe renovation, who are just SO EXCITED about their new project that they feel the need to share every last detail of their inspiration. They sprout the names of European lighting designers like everyone should know them and they drive you up the wall with their wanky, self-indulgent quest to produce the perfect house.

You are invited on a tour of their latest project. As you literally move from room to room, gathering up your stool and being ushered around the space, you witness the evolution of their relationship through dance. You see the emotions and fears that lie beneath the surface. Short vignettes show off the performers’ (Vincent Crowley and Ingrid Weisfelt) talents in this art form, with fluid movements and engaging raw emotion. The couple respond to one another’s bodies well, synchronising and intertwining.

The other aspects of the piece – the intervening discussions between the couple and the presentations to, and involvement with, the audience – show that they are well rounded performers, as they create humorously believable and engaging characters. These also tie the dance breaks together effectively. The accompanying magazine (designed by Justin Berhaut) is a nice touch. Filled with photographs of the rooms that you are taken through, it helps to bring the space to life and adds an interesting further aspect to the whole production. While there is some awkwardness inherent in the movement of the audience from one place to another, this is also a lot of fun and necessary for the piece to work.

Malmö has immense appeal. It brings dance and theatre together to create a wonderfully irreverent, yet moving, exploration of one of the recent crazes in Australia.

Kryztoff rating: 4K

Mar 01

FRINGE – Stephen K Amos – Arts Theatre – 4K

Stephen K Amos, the Englishman of Nigerian extraction, played to a packed house last night and has clearly rustled up an increasing band of followers in this city and country – an extra show has now been found for him.

His material ranged from the issues arising from being raised in a home of seven children, nice observations of Adelaide, Australia and our strange political machinations, to, near the finish, gay rights. (Having been to a number of comedy shows already this Fringe where this topic has been raised, my deep suspicion is the artists involved (Stephen K Amos included) have been surprised, if not shocked, by the absence of out-pourings of spontaneous support from their audiences when the topic is mentioned – probably confirming the Fringe attracts, and Adelaide is, fairly politcially agnostic and not Oxford St, Sydney.)

There was much to enjoy in the show, some material deadly funny, and his somewhat unique way of interacting with his audience was great fun. If criticism can be laid it is that at the core of all good humour is the need to create and sustain a sense in the audience that what yarn being told to them could actually be true or real (at least until the punch line). But in addition to his opening confession that, like politicians, he would be lying to us, the somewhat abusive stories of his parents just seemed way too over the top and disrespectful – one knew a long way shy of the ending this was all concoction. (He claimed he took both of them to his show before the Queen – hard to imagine any of them would have been amused by those particular jokes.)

Suitable for any adults, Amos’ show is engaging and very funny and well worth trying to get tickets to.

Kryztoff Rating  4K

Mar 01

FRINGE – Eddie Ifft – Eddie’s World – Arts Theatre – 3K

Eddie Ifft, the New York raised, now LA resident, is one of the few US stand up comedians who tours the world and that includes Australia, a venture he has been indulging in for some years. At the Arts Theatre for 15 performances his ‘new show’ I suspect differs little in style from previous ones other than to update material.

It includes some funny observations about Adelaide (the mad month of festivals drew particular attention) and Australia, an overview of the present US presidential race (the religious foibles of Mormons got a run believe it or not) and a lot of none too subtle jokes about bodily parts, especially sexual organs.

His humour is well crafted from being a man of the world and obvious success in the very public forums of TV and film. However, as evidenced by the demographics of his audience last night, it is squarely of interest to little more than single guys in their early to mid twenties for whom good taste and the perils of misogyny have yet to invade their lives.

If that type of humour is the Fringe for you, then Eddie is your man.

Kryztoff Rating   3K

Mar 01

FRINGE – Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Nexus – 3.5K

By Ben Nielsen

Aurora’s 2012 Adelaide Fringe show Signed, Sealed, Delivered is based on the love letter, and the tumultuous nature of romance.

The diverse program comprises songs that showcase the ensemble’s versatility, with pieces ranging from music theatre to pop. Beginning with the title song Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder, Aurora moves from a madrigal version of a Beatles classic, to a selection of traditional choral pieces, pop and a few music theatre charts. Concluding the evening, and performed to rapturous applause, were songs by Michael Jackson and Sting.
As the ensemble traverses a range of genres so too do they illustrate the various shades of love; with narration by director Christie Anderson describing the significance of each piece. In a display of the groups’ varied skills and their intimacy with the songs, the program consists of several pieces that have been arranged or developed by individual members.

Evident from their very first song, Aurora displays an overwhelming sense of togetherness. This is reinforced by the choristers’ incredible diction, and ability to blend their varied voice tone and types.

The ensemble performs acoustically, and while balance was generally exceptional (even in the event of a solo singer); percussion instruments employed during an Adele mash-up did tend to drown both the two soloists and accompanying choir.

The loud creaking that was heard as performers moved on the wooden stage was a frequent and unwelcome distraction from the performance, as was the occasional extraneous noise produced by the sound system.

A smattering of singers perform solos during the show, giving each an opportunity to demonstrate their fine voice. Of particular note was Cassy Humble’s display of ease and confidence in The Log Driver’s Waltz. She beautifully navigated a wide vocal range and simultaneously maintained the comical characterisation of the piece. Dissapointingly, some singers seemed too timid during their solos, and did not provide a convincing performance.

Throughout the show, each singer exhibited visible enjoyment; smiling and engaging with other performers and the audience. The minimal choreography was organic and subtle. Despite a moment where parts of the choir swayed in conflicting directions, the movement only acted to compliment the singing.

Aurora’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a wonderful adventure into the expressive, romantic texts of love.

Kryztoff Rating    3.5K

Feb 29

FRINGE – Shakespeare’s Queens: She-wolves and serpents – 2K

By Fiona Gardener

This is not just one of Shakespeare tales, but most of them twisted together into a light comedy. The three characters on stage Rachel Ferris (Mary Queen of Scots), Kath Perry (Queen Elizabeth 1), Patrick Trumper (William Shakespeare,) re-enact a multitude of Shakespeare’s plays.

The show starts light on the ears, and allows you to enter slowly into the lingo of the time. Switching between characters with the stories, enables the characters to have a comical settings.

The baroque style dresses make the setting of the stage, as the ladies change their clothes according to the characters. Back from the dead, these roles are shared equally with these three strong performers.

If Shakespeare interests you, maybe this twist of tales would be an alternative twist for your viewing experience. At the Bakehouse Theatre be prepared to hear the road. I also thought that the show had the same level of intensity throughout, no peak of drama, as it was all drama. The actors did make you feel a part of it all, although without the highs and lows, this piece of theatre became much all the same. Just re-living one drama after another.
Kryztoff Rating   2K

Feb 29

FRINGE – Somewhere Between the Worlds – Nexus – 3.5K

By Anthony Nguyen

Featuring the bouzouki, a seldom seen lute of Greek origins, in combination with a wide array of instruments, The Moor Rose creates a sensational musical journey which is accompanied visually by a duo of skilled tribal belly dancers.

Formed only just last year, The Moor Rose, made up of singer-songwriter Stuart Haines and cellist David Rose, perform a series of original songs such as Stepping Stones and Li Sula, in their two-time Fringe performance of Somewhere Between the Worlds.

Using wide unorthodox combinations of instruments, The Moor Rose create a unique musical performance which you would seldom hear anywhere else.  Songs are played with professional instrumentalisation and are influenced by an array of many genres giving them a pleasant mix of folk and influences of Greek, Spanish and Arabic origins.

Complementing the performance was Anne Harrington who didn’t fail to display advanced skills with various percussion instruments and Maarten Ryder, his combination of double bass and woodwind, which only added to the music’s intensity. The performance didn’t stop short as the belly dancing duo graced the stage with spirit and energy using various props such as a sword and a pair of fans.

If you enjoy a different style of music than most of those offered at the Adelaide Fringe, then Somewhere Between the Worlds is a great show that has its final show on March 10th at the Nexus Cabaret. So grab some beer or wine, and sit back enjoying the brilliant instrumentals as well as the rhythmic belly dancing.

Kryztoff Rating    3.5K

Feb 28

(ADELAIDE FRINGE 2012) Jason Chong “Where’s The Remote” Interview (kid’s show)

By Calen Vanstone

(interview link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2abDSDqLspM

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/jason-chong-in-wheres-the-remote/ccd99c17-d8ea-4f89-a761-212e3db360fe

After 4 1/2 stars and a Judges’ Commendation at the 2010 Adelaide Fringe, Jason Chong brings Reel Life back – rebooted for kids!
Movies come to life as Jason interacts with a huge screen to save his angel and defeat his devil in true Hollywood style! (Hollywood style not guaranteed)

Somewhere between taking the stage in 2001 and blitzing it with his 2011 festival show Reel Life, Jason Chong became a comic who could headline and MC anywhere. It’s all down to Jason’s quick wit, a general cleverness in his comedy and a specific passion for technology that he brings to it. Jason’s festival shows include the two-hander Sort of the Rings, Minority Retort, EmotiChong and Why The Bloody Hell Aren’t Ya? as well as 2010’s sell-out Reel Life which received the Judges Commendation in Adelaide. In 2009 Jason was named Adelaide’s Comic of the Year. He has just finished an 18 month tour with the award winning Il Dago. Jason’s radio work began in 2005, with three years of presenting NOVA 919’s Nights. He served as a regular correspondent on SAFM’s Breakfast from 2008. Jason’s television appearances include The Footy Show, Today (Channel 9), The 7pm Project (Ten), The Squiz (SBS) and The Mansion (Comedy Channel). In 2011 Jason hosted Festival Fishbowl, an online program netcast weekdays during the Adelaide Fringe, showcasing the work of over a hundred comedians.

http://www.jasonchong.com.au/

Feb 28

FRINGE – The Return of Shaggy Do Beats – La Boheme – 4K

The whimsical environs of La Boheme are an appropriate place to take in the ‘bunknik’ poems of Shaggy Do and his accompanying Jazzcateers.

According to Shaggy’s publicity, these three performances follow a ‘frisky’ stint in Edinburgh but clearly not via any decent menswear store. For Shaggy’s outfit is a poor brown suit with matching tea cosy like hat (in corduroy), blue shirt with white frill and bow tie and white face paint, all stood up on blue sneakers. The most glamorous part of his presence was the cover of his ‘On the Beatroute’ poetry book from which all manner of styles and wisdom flowed.

His backing band of three was little better decked out but the charts devised by saxophonist Chris Soole to accompany the words of the master were spot on, making for a partnership well made if not in heaven.

‘I hump like a pony, that’s why people want to ride me into the sunset’ was just one example of Shaggy’s hopelessly misplaced self perception of his sexual attractiveness. ‘Talent is like a tent, versatile in any terrain’ another misplacement related to his abilities.

But to be sure, this is the humour of it all and the whole hour is one delightful moment after another, a performance together by all four on stage that leaves the world outside behind and has you giggling along at every extraordinary verse.

Shaggy is on again tonight (Wednesday) and then next Sunday. Middle-aged and looking for something just a bit different from the mainstream this Fringe? Then load up on a bottle of wine and a platter of cheese and find out why Shaggy is in love with his telephone, every girl that moves and why neither it seems will ever likely to sit better under his control than the clothes he is wearing.

Kryztoff Rating  4K