Theatre
“Be your age or bust” proves a pleasant surprise
Feb 23rd
If you’re looking for an enjoyable evening out with a locally created show with Adelaidian references “Be your age or bust” could be for you.
Produced by the Royal Adelaide University Old Footlighters Club, the show takes the form of a number of skits bringing to life characters from Adelaide the audience members are likely to know well.
This rag-tag band is doing the show for the love of it – and it shows. Or rather radiated off the stage and contributed much to the enjoyment of myself and the rest of the audience. But don’t be fooled – their stage craft, professionalism, and vivacity would leave much younger performers for dead. At least on stage, for I fear a few chardonnays may be consumed backstage post show!
It was said that some of the performers fear this may be their last opportunity to perform together (pooh-pooh I say!), and they certainly gave it their all, bearing their bodies in lycra costumes where required, discussing bodily changes with aging, as well as numerous skits based on political and social commentary. However, for those expecting fast-paced, lewd, rude comedy be warned – this is based on a traditional style of entertainment. All-singing, all-dancing numbers are included.
While the show would be enjoyable for all ages, it holds a lot of its value in showcasing the positive influence so called ‘older Australians’ can have on society; how much life they still have to give. Those in the audience who share age milestones with the performers certainly enjoyed the show whole-heartedly. The perfect show to take your parents or even grandparents to!
RAW: Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones @ La Cascadeur
Feb 23rd
This brilliant little show takes the simple methods of shadow puppetry and cleverly introduces a charming series of characters in deifferent situations using incredible techniques, coordination and creative and effective handmade props and puppets.
Montreal puppeteer Jeff is is jovial and bouncy, despite the small Monday evening crowd, and his sound effects and sporadic noises not only make him sound like a lunatic, but build up and add to the visual show. Before the smiling crowd moved on, we were left with the thoughts “never underestimate the importance of play”. A clever, fun show which turns something simple into something special.
Kryztoff Rating: 4.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Bienvenue a Brelville @ La Boheme
Feb 23rd
The funny, musical and romantic story of a young man, 2 women and a mysterious clown of questionable sanity.
Kryztoff Rating: 3K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: The Grimstones @ The Bosco Theatre
Feb 22nd
In terms of puppetry, set construction and staging The Grimstones is a great feat. The puppets look great and it’s amazing how these performers can bring such life to these characters through their strings. It’s great to see this performance staged with sign language and narrator on hand to translate. It’s a cute show though it does have some pacing issues and the speaking narrator could have a stronger on stage persona, but it’s particularly worth sticking around for the Q+A session afterward to ask the show’s creator and signing narrator how she put together the whole show.
If you’re there for the story you might find that it drags. However I would happily take my mum along (She loves this kind of stuff!)
Kryztoff Rating: 3 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe