Feb 25

FRINGE CIRCUS – Attic – Tandanya – 5K

5e9b70ed15d956b057e955b6d684fa20By Peter Maddern

Circus, or “physical theatre” as it is known in polite circles, has increasingly become the ‘go to’ act for venue operators and producers; witness Limbo, Soap and Blanc de Blanc stuffed all together in this year’s Fringe program. But the problem circus has it that it has all become very bland; the same solo routines done in isolation or with just a nod to some show title or context. Not sure I can handle much more of that stuff!

Well, Outside the Lines’ Attic is a breath of fresh air, an oxygen jolt to send you high – a show that has thought through the genre’s mindless repetition and under-performance and delivered 50 minutes of great integration and invention.

Set in an attic of waste packing boxes, old cupboards and sheet covered furniture, the six performers set about their work with a zeal and confidence that has the kids present gasping and shrieking in delight from the opening twists and flights. But don’t let that or the time slot fool or deter you; this is something special for adults too.

While there are no laggards, the preposterously well-built Jordan Hart and the miniature Dylan Philips dominate in a show that has the legs to be around for a long time and to tour widely – I hope the ambition shown in the show’s conception extends to their programing plans.

Superior circus, delivering a shot in the arm to a genre that is otherwise risking a rapid death wallowing in its own self-indulgences – and all home grown. The best coin that can be spent on circus this Fringe!

Kryztoff Rating  5K

Feb 25

FRINGE 2017: Little Death Club – The Black Forest – The Royal Croquet Club – 2K

By Tom Eckert

Little death club

Little Death Club promises ” an hour of dangerously funny cabaret, sideshow and burlesque at its most inappropriate and hilarious best” and manages to hit all the marks except for that last one.

In previous iterations, Dead Man Comedy has produced shows with the same leading woman that were charactersied by their wit and idiosyncratic absurd humour. This is precisely where the current show falls short. Rather than wit and imagination the show is dominated by cheap, crude jokes and frankly gratuitous and needless nudity in the second half of the show.

The highlights that remain are; an at times humourous deadpan and technical reading of a Mills and Boon novel which still at times fell flat, and a brace of songs that are remnants of previous shows which maintained their cleverness.

If I was to stab at why it is the case that the mighty have fallen so, it would be that previously the show has been performed by a duo of the present leading lady and a partner, the latter of which is conspicuously absent in this years version. It is my thinking that having parted ways, the show lost a talent and the intellect behind some of its better work. But as I say, this is only a guess.

Having previously very much enjoyed these productions I very much hope they find their way again.

Kryztoff Rating: 2K

Feb 25

FRINGE THEATRE – Eleanor’s Story – Tandanya – 5K

1064688_135350_aBy Peter Maddern

Ingrid Garner’s grandmother, Eleanor, was still a child when World War II broke out. She and her family were on en route to Berlin from New Jersey when war was declared and this simply terrific play tells of those days.

It is an, at times, harrowing story with some resonances of the Ann Frank diaries – a young girl with normal fantasies and thoughts caught up in adult misadventures. And like Frank, Eleanor’s story captures a predicament that only gets worse and more desperate as, in this play, Berlin becomes the epicentre of the final stages of the conflict. Unlike Ann Frank, this account ends happily.

Ingrid Garner has adapted her grandmother’s award winning autobiography and delivers her version with stunning aplomb. Her work is mostly aided by images (I assume authentic) of her grandmothers’ home in the US and the blighted scenes of Berlin as well as audio of war. Together we are convincingly taken from an idyll in a spacious yard in New Jersey to cradling a young German soldier in his final moments and hiding in cramped attics as the Russians roam outside.

This is masterful theatre and as good as any you will see – not just this Fringe but any time. While some technical sound glitches affected my show, they could not detract from this compelling production. Audio and visual adornments are common place in 21st century theatre but not necessarily well used. Here they round off a gripping yarn and through the performer’s great talent and familial connection you are compelled to reflect on how lucky we are in this country today.

Kryztoff Rating   5K

Feb 25

FRINGE 2017 – Comfort Food Cabaret – Adelaide Central Market – 4K

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You’ve heard of dinner and a show, but what happens when dinner is the show? Comfort Food Cabaret is new to the Adelaide Fringe this year and it has certainly brought life to the Market Kitchen at Adelaide Central Markets.

 

The evening was full of surprises, with artist Michelle Pearson singing, cooking and storytelling with keyboard and bass guitar accompaniments. Pearson’s performance found a good balance between chatting and singing, and often used the music to emphasise points in her story. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing out loud at times, as her personality and charm shone through in her performances and interactions with her audience.

 

During the show, Pearson sets out to cook a three-course meal. So in addition to being entertained and fed, the audience is taught three new dishes they could try at home. It is perhaps a compliment that “not enough food” is my major complaint. Pearson’s dishes were rich and full of flavour, and I found myself scraping the plate with my plastic fork to enjoy every last morsel of the samples provided. With ticket prices ranging from a reasonable $38-$45 for a 75 minute show, it is not surprising that you only receive a taste of each dish, rather than an entire meal to yourself. Although, honestly I would not mind paying more in the future if it means getting a full dish to myself.

 

Comfort Food Cabaret is the perfect example of how your unique talents and passions can be combined to create something fresh and exciting. The show was thoroughly enjoyable, and this kind of innovation is what makes the Adelaide Fringe exciting. Comfort Food Cabaret is a must for foodies and music lovers alike.

Feb 24

FRINGE 2017 – NIGHT CREATURE -NOEL LOTHIAN HALL – 4.5K

Charming performance of a modern fable based on an ancient Greek myth.

This is the story of Scylla/ Cilla/ Sid, the untwinned resident of Naiad Bay, an insomniac worker in a chip shop devoid of fish.  We hear of monsters, raspberries, messages in bottles, and mysterious lighthouse keepers.  And of Sid’s eventual discovery/ losing of herself in the dark blue sea.

Featuring poetic storytelling and live musical accompaniment, and with humour, warmth and clever improvisation, the show held the audience’s attention from beginning to end.  Almost a monologue, simple props and the microphone were employed to great effect in the narration and the portrayal of the different characters.

Night Creature is presented by Joanne Hartstone and Lion House Theatre from the UK. Appearing at the Noel Lothian Hall in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens until 5th March 2017.

Kryztoff Rating 4.5K

Feb 24

FRINGE COMEDY – Merrick Watts: Man of the Hour – The Garden – 4K

His first solo show in 23 years, Merrick Watts came to the stage with great presence and energy. Immediately heckling the late-comers. The charismatic performer instantly came in to a world of his own, talking of childhood, social media and how unfathomably irritating todays generation is. Watts nailed it, not only was his timing and comical dynamic spot on, he was honest in his opinion on todays social ‘issues’ which the audience clearly appreciated.

Merrick’s performance was free-flowing and linked together perfectly; referring back to old jokes well. He even managed to introduce an emotional element to the performance which seemed truthful and reflective, which really helped the dynamic of the overall show.

A great show, Merrick is a very very funny man with great stories and an excellent stage presence.

Kryztoff Rating: 4K

Feb 24

FRINGE 2017:A Burlesque Show: Badlands – The Governor Hindmarsh – 3K

By Tom Eckert

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A dystopic vision of a derelict post apocalyptic world. Badlands brings burlesque to sustainability, environmental catastrophe and what’s going to happen if we screw it all up.

Camp comedy from sympathetically vitriolic MC creates a pleasantly jarring contrast with the images of environmental ruin that pervade the show and helps make otherwise despair inspiring subject matter more tolerable for a evenings entertainment.

True tho their philosophy all costumes and props are made out of recycled material. This is a philosophy not so much overtly pushed as intrinsically implicated in the the material.

The routines are original and inventive showing wit and insight and heavily invest in the grand tradition of burlesque eroticising that which could not be considered erotic in any other context. The BP oil spill, destruction of natural environments and the threat of cultural groupthink all get the striptease treatment with rich use of visual metaphor.

The aesthetic makes for some stunning visions with costumes of visions from your nightmares rendered in figure hugging layers that are rapidly removed to reveal the underlying form.

Badlands wrings great effect out of its limited production value and hangs to a great degree on the charisma of its performers which provide a fresh and unadulterated look at some of the existential concerns of our modern age.

Kryztoff rating: 3K

 

Feb 24

FRINGE 2017 – James Donald Forbes McCann: Deplorable – 4.5K

james

James McCann is a talented man.

He was the youngest RAW Comedy winner ever, and in 2016 he won SA Comedy’s ‘Jester’s Jester’ award, which saw him voted the best SA comic, as chosen by his peers.

After his previous hit comedies Nunopoly, its sequel, Nunopoly 2 : Mo Nun, Mo Nopoly, Wolf Creek the Musical, and The Sound of Nazis, James returns with Deplorable, a more traditional stand-up show that explores the highs and lows of McCann’s 2016.

Deplorable is something different for McCann. I have respect for comedians who can just lay everything out on the table, and James certainly does that – from his year travelling around Australia for a variety of different jobs, to his romantic history, to his self-proclaimed recent weight gain, to walking to Brisbane Airport because he didn’t have enough money for the fare. McCann lays it all bare for the audience’s fare. McCann clearly has a natural wit and talent for timing, his (often self-deprecating) jokes always landing with the audience.

Performing in D.E.W on Hindley, McCann’s performance is, in his own words, “immersive”. Not afraid of the audience, he comes right up to the front row, including them in the performance and getting them to sing along to his finale song. This up-close-and-personal setting fits Deplorable’s personal subject matter perfectly. It also seems fitting for a performer who genuinely seems like a nice guy, speaking to each audience member as they left the performance and personally thanking them for coming along.

McCann has one week left of performances, so get there as soon as you can. This comic was voted as the best of SA’s best for a reason, and his natural charm and well-timed barbs will have you whooping and cheering, just like last night’s audience.

Kryztoff rating: 4.5K

 

Feb 24

FRINGE MAGIC / ILLUSION – KEVIN QUANTUM: ILLUMINATIONS – 3.5K

by Riccardo Barone 

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A black mysterious envelop has been given out of the premise to the entering audience. “Don’t open” it says. Let’s wait and see.

Are you thinking to sit there, yes, just down there in the first row? No, you can’t. The helper is telling you to fill in the gaps of the rows, and everyone has to sit following this precise order. For sure has got something to do with the show, you suppose.

The show is brilliantly full of entertainment, laughs and different stories. The audience is quite involved on the stage, now helping the Magician in some of his tricks, now being part of some hilarious jokes.

Tricks and magic slide from the classic card ones to complicated ones with phones and numbers.

The ability to let everyone being part of the show is the brilliant leitmotiv of the evening.

And the closed envelop? Go and see.

Kryztoff Rating  3.5K

 

Feb 24

FRINGE 2017 – Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Night Tour – West Terrace Cemetery – 4K

Adelaide’s West Terrace Cemetery is the home of about 150,000 souls that helped shaped the city that we know today. With most graves of which lay the people who witnessed the dark and grim days of when the City of Churches was once dubbed the Murder Capital of Australia.

The eeriness starts from when you are taken to the start of the tour, with an actual unexpected surprise that made most haunt hunters jump. A sense of pride and amusement was brought on the first few minutes from the legacy from prominent ‘residents’ until you’re taken in-depth the resting grounds of the dead and the sense of grim start to seep in; and be spooked from the puzzling stories you’d die to find an answer.

You’ll be at the edge of your seat, except you’re standing and walking around the dark paths that’s ushered by stones and statues seemingly smelling your fear. Be greeted with other guest’s gasps as appearances of the characters give you a taste of the tales they firsthand experienced. Even the guide, Tarn delivered the other stories in such articulate and well-presented way.

The one of a kind technology is incorporated, which enhances the experience with thrilling sound effects and even narrations that supplement the stories.

Overall, it is an exciting experience where you get to hear the tales of the people who have walked the same streets we do today. However, there’s a bit of walking involved, so it’s smart to wear comfortable shoes and wear suitable clothes for the open-weather; if you’re lucky, experience real chills with the breezy late summer nights.

Kryztoff Rating: 4.0K