I don’t know what I expected but one thing is for sure – it’s just naked girls reading.

The show begins and ends with 4 women on stage who promptly take their clothes off. While they all have different backgrounds they all have a love of literature. The girls can change from night to night but they are always excellent readers.

Each night has it’s own theme, and I was lucky enough to attend the ‘just the naughty bits’ themed show. Because the girls choose their own texts they can take the theme shockingly literally or extremely ambiguously.

This is a good time to point out that no text is off limits, so be prepared that some of your childhood favourites may be ruined forever. For example, we heard pieces ranging from ‘Mr.Men’, to cook books to 19th century pornography.

Naked Girls Reading was held at La Boheme.

If this show sounds up your alley, check out La Boheme for similar events. Wednesday night is usually live jazz or burlesque.

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His heels are a decent six-inches, eyes and lips coated in glitter and he’s crooning a cabaret take on a certain Def Leppard hit while literally smearing sugar over his body. There’s a full jar of honey at the edge of the stage, which audience members eye nervously from time to time (when they can take their eyes off Ned).

Ned’s voice and moves are impressive but he’s not just here to show them off – he’s here to talk ethics. Borderline Public Offence is a witty musical analysis of the ways women and men are fetishised in modern music and the ethical responsibilities of artists and consumers.

Pop hits from the last five years cop the most flack for objectifying women – if you cringed the first time you really listened to the lyrics of Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, you’ve got a scathing reading to look forward to.

Yet even as it forces you to think, the show’s tone stays upbeat and fun. There’s laughter from the audience throughout and Ned even breaks character from time to time to step back and have a genuine laugh at himself. His act could do with some fine-tuning as he finished the show 45 minutes into the promised 70 (he was as surprised as anyone). But he won us back with some extra improv, then came down off the stage for easy banter with the audience.

All this goes down in the back room of the Adelaide German Club, a surprisingly perfect venue for a fairly risqué cabaret show. Part of the fun is wondering whether the diners have any idea what’s happening on the other side of the door.

Until March 12

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(I still can’t get that song out of my head!)

God Bless Mother Nature – outside in Adelaide it was raining, inside it was raining men!
From the tumultuous weather outside stepping inside the Speigeltent felt like I’d taken something (…or maybe it was the champagne…) and was being transformed into a psychedelic boogie wonderland that is Velvet- with sequins, strobing lights, aerialists and neon hula hoops!!

Who’d have thought you could have so much fun in a flood! – (yes that’s right I chose the night of the lightning storm and torrential rain to see the show.)

Foot tappin’, hand clappin’, booty shakin’ fun- it was like being taken back to the 70s (or everything I imagine them to be.) The only thing missing was a dancefloor!

Opening with a balancing act atop a case full of champagne to set the scene, the audience was entranced with wondrously sleek young bodies performing death defying acts as they wrapped around each other and twirled gracefully into the air.

From freak to chic, highlights were the very flamboyant hula hoopist, (*spoiler alert*) an unexpected a cappella version of Staying Alive and of course Marcia Hines- with an amazingly effortless voice you had to wonder what it would’ve been like if she’d really cut loose! Those lungs are amazing!
I found the a cappella a bit of a tease because it didn’t burst into boogie but it was so hauntingly beautiful you didn’t mind – you really felt it – the male lead actually did match Marcia – I know – what a feat!
Marcia still kicks it with attitude you just can’t fake and the latino slant on the music just made you wanna get up and dance – what a happy, carefree soundtrack to live life to – can I buy it on iTunes?

The post Fringe – Velvet appeared first on Stories Well Told.

Drawing from influences like Rowan Atkinson and Frank Woodley, Daniel Oldaker brings us Dandyman. With barely a word for the whole show, Dandyman masterfully leads the audience from beginning to end. Everything is up for grabs and he uses everything at his disposal to turn the stage into absurdity before flipping everything on its head again and again.

The audience were either busting to get involved and ready to leap on to the stage or refusing to make eye contact terrified of what Dandyman might ask them to do. Some of the crowd were slow to warm to Dandyman but in their defence there really is no telling what’s going to happen next. It can be scary when there’s a chance you will be part of the next spectacle on stage (but really that’s all the more reason to get involved).

The comedy is absurd and a lot of the jokes are pretty uncommon even for physical comedy. It’s certainly worth stretching your comfort zone for and a nice change of pace from the strictly stand up comedy acts.

You can see Dandyman at the Royal Croquet Club everyday for the rest of the fringe.

The post Fringe Review – Dandyman – Prince Idiot appeared first on Stories Well Told.

Ginger and Tonic’s Desperate and Dateless is a laugh out loud musical journey into the habits, strategies, and histories of four ladies looking for love.

Lisa, Jane, Danielle, and Laura, aka Birdzie, treat the audience to original tracks along with familiar songs from across the decades, with cleverly updated lyrics allowing the songs to tell stories, express emotions, and give advice about dating and relationships.

Instead of “Blame it on the Boogie” we get “Blame it on the Booger”, instead of “Fever” we get “Beaver”, and instead of “Umbrella” we get “Tinderella”, all broken up with amusing set pieces, showcasing the girl’s tight rapport as they discuss their relationship woes.

The energy and fun nature on stage is clear from the opening number.

With no instrumental support, Lisa, Jane, Danielle, and Birdzie carry tricky harmonies throughout while maintaining a witty and engaging stage presence.

Perfectly balancing talented singers with a well curated show, this pitch-perfect performance is well worth watching, with free dating tips to be taken with a pinch of salt.

The post Fringe – Desperate and Dateless at the Royal Croquet Club appeared first on Stories Well Told.

So, when provided the opportunity to attend Tony Roberts’ Adelaide Fringe show Card Magic last week I wasn’t as excited as I should have been.

A man in front of an audience talking and doing magic card tricks – whatever!

Whatever indeed!

Whatever was I thinking?

Didn’t I know how entertaining and fun card magic could be when there is a storyteller doing the magic.

And a great story was at the heart of Tony Roberts’ performance.

Photo by Steve Ullathorne

Easy, relaxed conversation held my attention and just the right amount of fun audience participation meant the largish group enjoying the show felt part of the action all the time.

You can’t help but like Tony – and that is something coming from me who while I love my son I don’t really like most magicians.

I know the whole show was made up of tricks but Tony also shared something of his true soul and his life experiences.

He shared events and laughs that had brought him to that space at that time to share it all with us.

And it was this ability to tell his honest and unique story that turned me on to his magic.  Which by the way was great!

He sure tricked me into being a fan!

The post Fringe – Tony Roberts Card Magic appeared first on Stories Well Told.

Sick of the objectification of women and how ok the world seems to be with that, Betty Grumble launches a very different style of campaign that certainly makes you take notice!

Betty Grumble is everything from stripper to showgirl to pretty blond Barbie to angry sex clown.

She is a little bit of all the women in the world and uses theatrical performance with the most intimate parts of her body as props to speak back to a world that is trying to categorise us all.

She pushes the performance boundaries by forcing the audience to look at their own humanity, which is sometime lovely and sometimes downright disgusting and messy (think menstruation and poop).

What I liked most about this show was the true spectacle of it all, it was thoroughly entertaining drag/80’s work-out clad Fonda/90’s sensitivity and smashed down barriers left right and centre.

However, the audience was clearly divided and it was one of those love it or hate it shows. Some found it vulgar and I heard quite a few saying they felt it went way too far. I was ok with the level of nudity because it fitted well with the story – everyone has either a vagina or a penis but most are not quite a comfy to share them as publicly as Betty Grumble.

This single performer show is a true eye-opener, I won’t promise that you will love it but it isn’t one you will ever forget.

Go Betty!

Cabaret
4 – 6 & 11 – 13 MAR | 11PM I $28 (CONC $25)
The Garden of Unearthly Delights – Le Cascadeur
SUITABILITY: 18+, Adult Themes and Nudity

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The tricky thing then, is to pinpoint exactly why it was so good. Was it the brilliant drag, the classy burlesque, the crude yet clever comedy or the insane acrobatics? Or was it the personality of the performers, the cheeky costumes, the killer choreography or the beautiful bods on display?

The cirque elements were well rehearsed, daring, and perfectly choreographed. Everything was laced with a touch of cheeky and a lot of naughty. The aerial silk and hoop work acts were my favourite acrobatics. The vibe moved freely between drag show to dance party to strip club to voyeuristic spectacular.

The crowd response ranged from raucous whoops and applause to the stillness created by momentous feats and stunned shock. The performers fed off the audience reaction, they were genuinely grateful and amped everything up accordingly. Big points from me for their willingness to spend time with their fans immediately after the show for countless selfies & plenty of fondling!

Mel with one of the amazing performers

Briefs was an indescribable and guiltily pleasurable evening of spectacular entertainment.

This is not the show for shrinking violets or the closed minded.

If you aren’t fond of the odd peter heater “popping up” or some CLEVErly placed poop humour then stay home and leave these much sought after seats for others.

Royal Croquet Club – The Panama Club until March 14

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The one-woman show chronicles the life of Gillian English as she comes to terms with a series of bad decisions both in life and in love.

Gracing the stage in a strapless wedding dress and full veil, she has the audience in stitches, describing the twists and turns of her journey to figure out who exactly she is.

Hailing from Nova Scotia in Canada, English’s performance is bold, confident and heart-warming.

One of the best things about English’s vivacious performance is just how likeable she is, by the end of the show you feel more like her friend than an audience member.

You can check out this show at Gluttony – The Bally until Sunday March 6 and Gillian English has another show Get Around Me beginning March 8.

Dosage instructions
A sure fire remedy for anyone who’s suffered some heartbreak and maybe even lost their way in turn. With strong course language, this show is not suitable for anyone under eighteen.

The post Fringe – Drag Queen Stole My Dress appeared first on Stories Well Told.

Rhinoceros follows Berenger, whose experiences cleverly narrate the play as people around town disappear and rhinoceroses appear. The town’s people we meet do not want to deal with this event, and instead wittily fascinate over non-relevant details like the number of horns.

The story dynamics, and big topics like society’s herd behaviour and individuality, are well-carried throughout by such a young ensemble. Although some of the trickier parts of the script could have been better-rehearsed, the energy and passion on stage was obvious and consistent.

The simple stage setups and minimal use of props were also very effective, with the use of silhouettes adding depth and motion to a basic onstage arrangement.

In a play over half a century old, a humorous script, with uncomfortably familiar topics of pack mentality and free thought, is made current again by a young cast, who could rival more seasoned Fringe performers. Rhinoceros is a great performance by a cast to look out for at next year’s Fringe.

The post Fringe – Rhinoceros Comes To Goodwood appeared first on Stories Well Told.

Defrosted is a hilarious comedy that parodies the Disney classic to perfection without ever actually mentioning the film!

Cat and Niko are clearly very experienced children’s entertainers who just get children and know what will engage and delight. They are also very talented singers, dancer and puppeteers! There is plenty in Defrosted for all ages with a few cleverly placed adult jokes that the kids wouldn’t work out.

Great props, fun music and lighting perfectly accentuate this fun show. For my kids, the freezer was a source of constant interest and they loved the puppetry. It had just the right amount of silly sound affects and slapstick humour to amuse the audience. I can see why this show took out awards at the Edinburgh Fringe. This is a great opportunity to expose your children to quality international theatre.

I was lucky enough to grab Cat and Niko after the show for a short interview and find out what inspired this show. Enjoy!

Tix

Until March 14 , Garden of Unearthly Delights – Le Cascadeur

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A fast-paced mixture of dance, music and Aussie humour, Untapped is a great show for all ages.

Think tap dancing on steroids.

The choregraphy was of true broadway quality, flawless timing and body-bending moves from 5 dancers in perfect synchrony. The extreme technical difficulty of the dancing was overlaid with casual fun, making it seem effortless! Clad in tanktops, jeans and streetwear these dancers were ultra-cool and sassy.

My favourite numbers were a feisty flamenco-infected tap routine and some laugh-out-loud tap dancing in flippers and thongs! Jack, the lead dancer and show choreographer has to have his own mention, bodies shouldn’t be able to do what his does and all with a cheeky grin.

Untapped’s live band delivered a thumping mixture of Funk, Hip Hop, Flamenco, African & Jazz music to perfectly accompany the dancers.

The live beatboxing was out of this world – such a unique and well performed element.

The MC has incredible talent, humour and made some really quirky sounds with various mouthpieces and gizmos….think a bit of a Limbo vibe mixed with hip-hop. As with the dancers, each element of the band was deconstructed to show off their significant individual talents which heightened the synergy when they built it all back up.

I took my kids and their grandparents. The show received a massive thumbs up from the 3 year old through to the 63 year old. Looking around the rest of the audience, everyone was entranced. Jaws were dropping as they took in the high-energy spectacular that is Untapped.

In the Vagabond
25 FEB – 13 MAR (EXCL. MON) | 7PM
$40 (CONC $38 | CHILD $30 | GROUP $35 | FAMILY $120 ) | PREVIEW 25 FEB & TUE $30 In The Vagabond

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