Cabaret
Violet Rapscallian – Bird Wizdom – Nexus Centre
Feb 28th
This is what the Fringe is all about. Caberet on the edge that perhaps only an audience prepared to be challenged at this time of the year will appreciate. Anya McNicol-Windram and her usual Bird Wizdom crew (with further friends) tell ‘a true story about a person who does not exist’. The show gets no less silly from there. The stage is often packed, with the band jammed into the left corner and dancers filling the right half, Anya dominates the foreground while the whole thing seems to be effectively held together by Melanie Prior as the expressionless cello player with the claret lipstick. There is the usual Bird Wizdom stuff to enjoy – lyrics about rejection and isolation, the belly dancing and an intermission where the show seems to continue unabated. Bringing preconceptions of the way a show like this should go with you is a mistake for this thrives on the unorthodox and the total performance is a joy, nearing brilliance. While using a number of songs from their album, Eclection, a new gem for the stage is ‘The Stalker’.
Kryztoff Rating 5K
RAW: Burlesque Hour @ Spiegeltent
Feb 27th
Cutting edge, dynamic, entertaining, challenging. An amazing show, do not miss it.
Kryztoff Rating: 5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Die Roten Punkte – Rock! @ Le Cascadeur (GoUD)
Feb 25th
Die Roten Punkte, or The Red Dots, are a brother-sister rock and roll combo straight out of Berlin. The show sees drummer Astrid – fresh out of rehab – and straight edge guitarist Otto, dueling for the audiences attention in a series of hilarious songs and between song banter.
A Pixies-inspired song about a banana, a futuristic keytar number about a robot with intentions of one day being a lion, the ‘first album trilogy’, and an acoustic love song penned for a ‘kind of’ vegan audience member are just a few of the many highlights. Astrid is a riotous highlight, while Otto’s constant posing and Iggy Pop stage moves and windmills make for a thoroughly entertaining show, with laughs never far apart.
If you have any interest in music, see this! If you don’t, you will still bloody love it!
Kryztoff Rating: 4.666K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Philip Escoffey: Six IMpossible Things Before Dinner @ Umbrella Revolution (GoUD)
Feb 25th
Philip Escoffey’s show sure is a mind bender. From the first impossible sketch to the moment you open your fortune cookie after leaving, you wonder, is this possible?
Philip does not claim to be a psychic nor does he want you to believe that he cheats, so how does he do it? And by the end you are certain he can’t be cheating? Is this possible? you will ask again and again.
A very entertaining show with a fantastic level of energy. Another not to be missed even though you will be left wondering until you open your fortune cookie, just to be stunned once again.
Philip deserves a top rating for top entertainment.
Kryztoff Rating: 5 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Skitch Tease @ The Pod (GoUD)
Feb 25th
Liz Skitch puts a lot of effort into her solo show, Skitch Tease. Quite litteraly starting of with a bit of a strip tease and then covered only with her accordion she presents an entertaining blend of stand up, stories and song. Liz decided to try it in the nude after reaching the conclusion that stand up comedy isn’t scary enough, she says. And she asks not to tell her mother.
The engaging Liz manages to keep a good pace with entertaining lines and a great level of energy.
Kryztoff Rating: 3 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Red Bastard @ Umbrella Revolution (GoUD)
Feb 25th
Most times when you leave a show you know what the show was about and you pretty much have an idea what you would tell your friends about it. This however is not the case with Red Bastard. Is this the point, that you are left wondering, wondering was that supposed to make sense or did this really just happen? I wouldn’t describe it a show without a story line, the story is the Red Bastard, and a bastard he is. The audience was raised to some laughter, some a little strained.
At times the Red Bastard managed to bring the energy level extremely high. And some attempts of audience interaction are made however it still all revolves around the Red Bastard. At the end of though you do wonder, what did I just see? I was entertained but was there a point to it all?
Kryztoff Rating: 2 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: The Boy With Tape On His Face @ BOSCO (GoUD)
Feb 25th
To describe this entertaining and engaging act with one word would have to be ‘Phenomenal’. Rarely do you see an act which engages the audience so deeply as well as giving everyone in the audience a part.
Don’t be mistaken, even though the boy has tape on his face, it is not a mime show. One of the amazing talents of this must see show are the simple items used as props in simple yet wonderfully entertaining gags and a number of good old musical pieces are included to make this a well rounded great hour.
Did I mention, this is a must see show and filled to the max every night.
Kryztoff Rating: 5 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Nikki Aitken Presents. Cabaret Alive & Kicking!
Feb 24th
Be prepared for Aitken’s diva behaviour, irresponsible drinking and varied vocals.
On at the premier jazz/cabaret venue in town, The Promethean, Nikki Aitken Presents a themed variety style cabaret show. Selecting a few favourites from Sondheim, Brookes and Brown, Aitken’s vocals are lovely and light, truly entertaining.
Aitken also presents a few originals, including 2 and Half Stars which takes cheap shots at the critics and/or reviewers. Quite amusing, only the final duet is better.
Matthew Carey, who has worked with the likes of Liza Minnelli, is fantastic as musical director, pianist and banter buddy for Aitken.
Local talents Adam Page, Loki Rickus and Blue Eyed Soul starlet, Melissa Bergland also starred as extra acts, amongst Aitken’s on-stage antics.
Kryztoff Rating: 3.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: The Wheel of Frank Confession @ Arcade Lane
Feb 20th
The Wheel of Frank Confession is a unique showcase of 4 talented Australian songwriters. Starring Emily Davis, Emma Dean, Brendan Maclean and Ben Stewart this is a simple, but effective concept. The audience spins “Frank” the wheel, whose choice of emotions decides the set list for the show – Then the performers share a related song/confession. The performers strike a wonderful balance between funny, cute, meaningful, emotional and charismatic.
This show is heaps of fun. The performers are talented, the songs well crafted and the space a rough, but lovely sounding room. The only thing missing – is more people! Would love to see this performed in front of bigger crowds with more room for audience participation.
A great opportunity to get something off your chest, make sure you come prepared with a good confession! You might just get the chance to share it (anonymously!) with the world! Get out there and support these 4 great performers!
Kryztoff Rating: 4.5 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe