The Quizzical Mr Jeff – 4 stars
This one-man circus/magic show feels like a much larger production that just one person. Each magical move is carefully choreographed to the music to add impact and suspense at the same time. Mr Jeff works the audience like one of his mystifying props with lots of gasps of awe and cheers for more. The show opens with hat juggling and progresses through hoop tricks, magic balls and object manipulation, all...
Tandanya does Fringe!
There is still plenty of time to squeeze in some Adelaide Fringe shows and I was pleasantly surprised to learn what a fantastic and varied program Tandanya is offering.Showcasing a mix of local talent as well as interstate and overseas, across genres such as dance, comedy, theatre, circus, magic and more, there really is something for everyone. I was lucky to see a preview snippet of some amazing hula hoop action from Boss Squad,...
Ukulele Death Squad – Fifty Shades of Uke
When the venue you’ve chosen is an atmospheric old cinema in a leafy established suburb of Adelaide, the audience is already probably quite different to your Grace Emily or WOMADelaide crowd, and by different I mean more comfortable sitting down for an hour than standing and dancing. For some, this may be the only way they can see your show. So keeping the doors shut until past start time, when it’s mid-afternoon in summer, is not a...
Pamela’s Palace – 5 stars
If you are looking for a quiet, sensible Fringe show where you can sit and let the entertainment wash over you…think again! This hilarious, interactive sketch starts from the moment you walk into the venue with the ditsy Bronwyn welcoming guests and discussing their hair styling needs. Pamela’s Palace is set in the cheesy beauty salon run by the very vain and slightly self-centred Pamela, assisted by her head stylist, Tiffany and...
Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club – 5 stars
“That’s why we are all here; to be in the moment”, drawls compere and sizzling cabaret star, Bernie Dieter in her sensual and engaging way.And in the moment we all were. Immediately upon entering the spectacular Spiegeltent we were immersed in an atmosphere of decadence and excitement. The 4 piece band set the scene with dynamic and energetic Weimar-punk jazz to a backdrop of lights and stage fog. Roving performers...
Build a Rocket – 4.5 stars
Yasmin is ‘supposed to be the bright one’ so the moment she realises she’s pregnant is the beginning of a life that is even harder than she could have imagined with her alcoholic mother. We’re in Scarborough, in the postcode poverty side of town, and Yasmin has hooked up with Danny the DJ from the posh suburbs in the final weeks in her last year of school. When her education ends poorly after the inevitable distraction of boy vs...