Sound and Fury's "Spaceship Man" and The Jane Austen Argument's "The Space Between" reviews

Sound and Fury's "Spaceship Man"

Adelaide College of Arts

Sun 7th March, 8pm

Fringe veteran Richard Maritzer is joined by Ryan Wells and Patrick Hercamp (the latest additions to the Sound and Fury troupe replacing Vinnie Cardinale and Shelby Bond) to take on Adelaide with their show "Spaceship Man" which parodies just about everything sci-fi in existence and offers math jokes, bad puns, alliteration, cross dressing, even Martian bunnies, to delight and titillate you as our protagonists trek across Mars in search of Colonel Quartz. 


The show starts in the lobby where the audience is greeted by Richard, Ryan and Patrick who rouse the crowd to inspire the level of enthusiasm they wanted the audience to exhibit during the show before running into the theatre.


Performing on a large stage inhibited the usually intimate nature of their shows, however, with crowd encouragement and their ability to break down the fourth wall and engage directly with the audience throughout, Sound and Fury masterfully overcame this disadvantage.

*****

The Jane Austen Argument's "The Spaces Between"

Arcade Lane - Regent One

Sun 7th March, 10pm

Described by Australian Stage as "an ultra-talented hybrid of Tori Amos and Tim Minchin", The  Jane Austen Argument are a force to be reckoned with. 


"The Spaces Between" by The Jane Austen Argument (Tom Dickins and Jen Kingwell) paints a portrait of two young artists and their relationship to the space in their lives. Emotional, physical and temporal.


Trudging through heartbreak, loneliness, love and lust, Dickins and Jen lament and celebrate what life has thrown at them in such a way that encourages and inspires others to be courageous, with a timely reminder that it is okay to take time out for yourself.


Performed on the stairs of what used to be the Regency Cinema, the low lighting created creepy shadows, and the acoustics created an all-encompassing sensory experience. Minimal props, black angel wings worn by Dickins' and Kingwell's top with attached 'heart on the sleeve' seemed to be personal talismans. Tom and Jen's voices are individually amazing and combined wrap around you, embracing you like a warm hug telling you that everything will be alright.


During their final song "The Debt Collector" they discuss the boxes they have in their respective houses containing things they don't want to read or look at that create a 'blackhole of doom' in their lives. Tom passes a box of envelopes into the audiences and invites audience members to take an envelope each, explaining that they contain a handcrafted, personalised gift. This gift is the gift of freedom, the courage to let go of what has come before and being open to what is to come next. Following Dickins' instruction, the audience tore up the envelopes and threw them into the air.


Intimate, cathartic, everything that is to love about theatrical cabaret performances. Go buy tickets now! I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.


The Jane Austen Argument's EP "The Birthing Pyre" is available now at gigs for $15 or on Bandcamp.
*****


Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xx

Amanda Fucking Palmer Frinja gig at the Tuxedo Cat

Amanda Palmer secret 'frinja' show
Tuxedo Cat, Electra House (131 King William Street)
Fri 4th March
around midnight

At first it looked like those of us waiting outside wouldn't get in at all, due to the venue being at capacity, but then Amanda Palmer arrived in a taxi and told security to let us in (which they did after a further delay).

Tuxedo Cat's main downstairs room was PACKED with Amanda Palmer fans. Amanda Palmer was now joined by The Jane Austen Argument as she performed her set on ukulele because the piano available to her was unsuitable to play any of her songs, she was accompanied at times by Jen Kingwell of The Jane Austen Argument. She spend a lot of time talking, which was disappointing, but not nearly as disappointing as constantly having to move out of the doorway to let indecisive folk in and out of the room only for them to come back after a short while or try to push in front where they had not previously been.

I really enjoyed hearing Tom Dickins and Jen Kingwell of The Jane Austen Argument perform their own song "Bad Wine and Lemon Cake".

Highlights included meeting Amanda Palmer again (properly) and having my picture taken with her (again). She later hugged me (at my request, 'can I trouble you for a hug?'). As she walked away she caressed my face, it was a beautifully intimate moment. She also signed my chest because some random girl told her that my boobs were hiding and needed to be signed, to which Amanda asked me "why are your boobs hiding?" to which I responded "unfortunate choice of clothing". Not realising at the time, but my choice of clothing was quite apt. I had worn my 2010 Feast Festival volunteer shirt which, as part of the design, features something akin in shape to a 'Map of Tasmania'. Just before getting my picture taken, Amanda told me that she liked my 'Map of Tasmania' which was amusing.

The Jane Austen Argument are performing 'The Spaces Between' at Arcade Lane on Sun 6th Mar and Wed 9th Mar - Sun 12th Mar at 10pm. $20/$15 at the door, or through Fringetix (plus booking fees).

Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xx

REPENT TO THE GAGA + Deanne Smith "About Freakin' Time" review

It seems apt that in a show about time that Deanne Smith be an organised and timely comedian. The show ran exactly on time in all aspects and there was never a dull moment. Drawing together God, vengeful Navy dolphins, time travel, being a lesbian and a six minute section where she took suggestions from the audience about what they wanted to hear her crack jokes about, Smith has written an engaging and hilarious show that appeals to just about everyone. Probably not a show for die-hard Christians who can't take a joke, but if you have a good sense of humour, this show is for you!

Deanne Smith's "About Freakin' Time" is continuing at Rhino Room from Mar 5th and on Mar 8-12. Tix through Fringetix, or at the door for $23.30 ($20 conc).

*****

Following "About Freakin' Time", my friend Eddie and I ventured into the Garden of Unearthly Delights for a wander. When we emerged, we stopped to take in what the 'God Hates Fags' preachers had to say and offer a rebuttal to what we saw to be flawed logic and that of brainwashed religious converts who weren't comfortable receiving what they were dishing out. An accomplished, very funny female performer drew a crowd of passers by with her engaging wit and spruiking skills to highlight the message of her 'friend' who had a message to impart straight from Fred Phelps. While the spruiker was talking about repenting to God, a guy yelled out "REPENT TO THE GAGA" which was met with a rousing chorus of support. I'm pretty open minded and pretty much subscribe to the idea that we all have our own ideas about the world and our own beliefs and if we wanted to know about someone else's beliefs we'd ask. Also that we shouldn't force our beliefs on others and expect them not to be upset when we do. 

Happy Fringing, 

Ladyx Chronowire xx

"A Modest Exhibit" by Charles Sanders

Prior to this show I was what you could call an Arcade Lane virgin. This quirky alleyway between Adelaide and Regent Arcade used to house an old cinema. The interior is just gorgeous and a perfect setting for Charles Sanders intimate performance piece "A Modest Exhibit".

I first saw Charles perform in Loki Rickus' 2010 Feast Festival cabaret "Eight" and was struck with his talent. Recognising his name in the Fringe Guide I bought a ticket to his show. I was also fortunate enough to catch him doing "I'm not afraid of anything" from Songs For A New World as a preview number from the show for the Fringe Caravan teasers series in Rundle Mall and knew I'd be in for a treat.

I even found myself seated behind him on a 167 to the city yesterday evening. Though not knowing him personally I didn't chat to him, though I very much wanted to. But whatever do you say to someone you barely know, but admire greatly, other to feed their ego with compliment after compliment?

"A Modest Exhibit" takes us through Charles' life from a child who wanted to wear dresses to a man who 'still hasn't found what [he] is looking for' but has the courage to be proud of who he is. Sanders' artfully weaves in songs by Queen, Cher, The Dresden Dolls, even songs from Songs For A New World and Hedwig & The Angry Inch to create an honest, humorous portrayal of his life to this point. Charles has an amazing voice and Adelaide is truly lucky to have this performer. I cannot wait to see what else he has to offer us in the future.

Tonight was the closing night of  "A Modest Exhibit". I find myself wishing I could have seen this show every night of its three night run.

*****

Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xxx

"ShineSA's Great Sex Debate" + Monique Brumby Reviews

ShineSA's "The Great Sex Debate" hosted by Hans (Matt Gilbertson) at TheGov. I'm not a fan of Hans because he is a rude, cocky bitch (which I understand is part of the act, but I'm just not a fan of being insulted for the hell of it).  I found him entertaining as a host. A highly energetic performer, Hans is really quite a lot of fun (when he's not insulting people). He pranced out onto the stage in his typical outfit and struts around to "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce before retiring to his throne centre stage. Highlights include being called "gayer than a rainbow" by Granny Flaps and crumping with Geraldine Quinn during her number "Camel Toe".

"Is There A Soundtrack To Everyone's Sex Life?"

I'll admit, straight off the bat, that I bought a ticket to this show solely to see Geraldine Quinn. I've been following her work and attending her shows (both in Adelaide and Melbourne) from about 2008 to now. I'm even friends with her on Facebook, and yes, she actually talks to her fans. For a misanthropist, she's quite lovely, proving that you can dislike and distrust humanity and still be a nice person. This is Quinny's only appearance for Adelaide Fringe 2011 and, in her words, she 'just flew over for the sexual health'.

TEAM AFFIRMATIVE:
Gordon Southern, accompanied with his overpriced sampler purchased from eBay, discusses Bollywood films, men who are good at multitasking housework and shows impressive and hilariously renamed Bollywood dance moves.
Dave Flanagan spent too much time explaining that we are lucky to have him considering he woke up in the gutter this morning as a result of an alcoholic binge he and a taxi driver we met three months ago had been on. He discussed, and demonstrated, the mating calls of whales as well as translating them into English.
Geraldine Quinn is a rock-cabaret star. She is well read, extremely intelligent, well-informed and just plain hilarious. If you aren't laughing at one of her shows, I'm convinced you must be clinically dead. She used her song "Camel Toe" (from 2010's Fringe show "Shut Up and Sing") to beautifully illustrate her point that music and sex are so 'inextricably linked' that it is impossible to separate them. Clad in a leotard which evokes Beyonce and (David) Bowie, she explains her reasoning, the only way she claims to know how, in song.

TEAM NEGATIVE
John Robins explains how his current playlists are killing his sex life, because of how many audio books he has stored on his iPod and how painfully aware how, at an inopportune moment, Stephen Fry's voice may come on reading Harry Potter.
Stephen Grant discusses a condom called "Durex Performa" which features standard lubricant on the outside and mixed with the lubricant on the inside, 5% Benzocaine, which is a mild anesthetic. He finds it unfair that it numbs the penis during intercourse and suggests using the condom inside out despite what damage it may do to female genitalia. This took his rant to a rape-y place which I'm sure unsettled more than a few people.
Granny Flaps discusses all points made, adding her own two cents, mentions lesbians and asserts that they were doing sex right. My favourite line of hers was 'fuck rhythm, just shove it in and make it work'. She congratulated her 'boys' on Team Negative and got stuck right into Geraldine Quinn.

Then came the showdown between Granny Flaps and Geraldine Quinn. Quinny shed her Beyonce/Bowie leotard to reveal a skin-coloured leotard with flames in the crotch (which took vajazzling to a whole new level). Quinny argued (via song and guitar) that "Bootylicious" by Beyonce, "S&M" by Rihanna and "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails were the epitome of sexy .Whereas Granny Flaps cited songs such as "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M and "Nellie The Elephant". Granny Flaps cheekily said 'counterpoint' after each rebuttal to reinforce her argument.
*****

After "The Great Sex Debate" I ventured to the Garden of Unearthly Delights to meet my friend Eddie. Entering the Garden, I spied Cowboy Max putting up posters for the "Max amp; Dagger Show", I approached him for an autograph.

Eddie and I wandered through the Garden, perusing stalls and generally killing time until our gig at 10pm. Taking a slight detour before venturing out into the real world to get food, I wait for Jack Dagger to get his autograph.Cowboy Max chatted with us for a while and told us that Jack Dagger would be out soon.

Jack greeted me with a hug and as I rummaged through my bag for a pen, he spied a book in my bag and asked me what I was reading. I showed him and he told me that this series (The Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong) was his guilty pleasure. I was thrilled to discover I had something awesome in common with Todd Abrams.

Eddie took a picture of me with Shelby and Todd and then the Tech guy for La Campanile took a picture of both of us with them.

After this we got dinner and returned to the Garden to line up for Monique Brumby. I first heard of Monique Brumby through Eddie. I knew Eddie loved her music, but had never looked her up on YouTube because I had a pretty good idea what to expect (something along the lines of Heather Frahn meets Tracy Chapman), I was not wrong, and that, most definitely, was not a bad thing.

Monique grew up in Tasmania, but now lives in Melbourne. She performs with Sophie (her girlfriend) and Nick. Her hair could be described as a fusion of Prince and Robert Smith of The Cure but she claims to be experimenting with a Don McLean look having just toured with him.

She talks about how you shouldn't judge people based on their hair because they can often turn out to be cool people (e.g. Edward Scissorhands and Prince). She mentions that Sophie, her girlfriend, is her hairdresser and they experiment with hairstyles between gardening and cleaning up cat excrement.

Monique writes and performs life-affirming songs with a powerful, self taught voice which she describes as a friend you get to know better as you get older. She is soft-spoken, but belts out her songs. Some songs contain something reminiscent of yodelling which is an interesting touch.

We are told the story of how they came over from Tasmanian on a boat with a sail made out of Sophie's skirt and Mama Cass's knickers, how they were propelled with help from Nick who'd been eating Baked Beans and how they arrived on the shores and were greeted by shells and jewels that she learned were the audience, which ended this intimate concert on a lovely note.

Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xx

"The Max & Dagger Show" review

 A preview of what to expect from "The Max & Dagger Show"

Courtesy of Shelby Bond's YouTube Channel

Formerly of Sound & Fury, Shelby Bond returns to Australia with his friend and colleague, Todd Abrams to present "The Max & Dagger Show". This is Todd Abrams' first time in Australia, and I'm sure it won't be his last. Cowboy Max and Jack Dagger are cowboys who travel the world writing comedy songs, practising their art and performing to audiences.

Cowboy Max (Shelby Bond) greets everyone at the door. He flashes me his famous smile and thanks me for coming along. As I walk past Jack Dagger (Todd Abrams) to take my seat, he pats me on the shoulder appreciatively. Can't beat that, heartfelt appreciation from performers for supporting their work.

Comedy escalates to danger. Songs containing apologies the US should give to Australia, about bad gift givers, even a rap by Cowboy Max asserting that Cowboys Are Cooler Than Ninjas. Don't even get him started on pirates.

Throw in some ropes, whips and knives and we're at the dangerous part of the show. Jack Dagger, World Champion Knife Thrower shows us what he does best (impalement arts). Todd Abrams has appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

This show, while containing some very adult jokes, is quite suitable for children.

What I love about Shelby Bond and Todd Abrams, is how genuinely appreciative they are for people supporting their art. They are down to earth, easy to approach guys, who are wholly without pretense. The kind of guys you could walk up to in the Garden of Unearthly Delights and they'd stay and chat with you for 5-10 minutes. They both give great hugs :)

Tickets are $18 at the door. "The Max & Dagger Show" is playing at The Campanile in the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 6th. Tickets also available through Fringetix
*****

Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xx

"Skinhouse" review + "The Max & Dagger Show" promo

"Skinhouse"
Written by Fleur Kilpatrick and Kristina Benton.
Directed by Fleur Kilpatrick.
Composed by Kristina Benton.

I've always been fascinated with tales concerning sex workers. I believe it is an admirable profession and have profound respect for those who choose to work in it. While flipping through the Adelaide Fringe Guide I came across "Skinhouse" instantly knew I needed to see it.

Set in the living room of housemates Kristina and Fleur, "Skinhouse" tells the brave story of Kristina Benton's career as a sex worker. What began as a conversation between two friends in the bathroom of this shared house has been developed over ten years into an intimate and cathartic piece of theatre.

Symbolism is used beautifully, from a dressmaker's mannequin dressed in a dress and cardigan (which, with each layer of 'skin' is peeled off, reveal a woman who wants out of an addictive industry, so too an item of clothing removed to symbolise each revelation) to a grim reaper portrayed by a white sheet.

Told through conversations, monologues and haunting song, unlike "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" which glamourises prostitution, "Skinhouse" presents a more realistic look at life as a prostitute.

Highly recommended for fans of well-written, intimate and cathartic theatre.

"Skinhouse" is being performed until Sat 26th February at Tuxedo Cat (Electra House (Blue Room) 131 King William St, Adelaide. Tickets through Fringetix.

5/5 stars.

After my escape into the world of a former sex worker, I waded through the Friday Night Crowds of Rundle Mall and Rundle Street. Drunk teenagers desperately attempting to look intelligent and trendy by being present during opening night of Adelaide Fringe Festival 2011.

From 10th February - 13th March, The Garden of Unearthly Delights is my home. I live, breathe and consume the atmosphere and the creative vibe. Even if you aren't going for a show, The Garden of Unearthly Delights is still the place to be. With BankSA Free Concerts, plenty of beverages, foods, rides and wandering performances to take in, it's well worth considering taking a breather from your usual evening hangouts for the duration of the Fringe.

As I gallivanted around the The Garden of Unearthly Delights in search of people I knew, I stumbled upon Shelby Bond who greeted me with a hug and introduced me to his friend Todd, explaining that he'd known me for about 3 or 4 years (which was sweet). I love it when people you are massive fans of remember who you are, greet you with a hug and delight in recounting to friends they are introducing you to, just how long you've known each other.

Formerly of Sound & Fury, Shelby is in town with his friend and colleague Todd Abrams for their show called "The Max & Dagger Show" starring Shelby as Cowboy Max and Todd as Jack Dagger. "The Max & Dagger Show" is a comedy knife throwing I will be attending tonight at The Campanile in the Garden of Unearthly Delights. If you loved Shelby in Sound & Fury, and want to see him in something a bit different, be sure to sure to check him out in "The Max & Dagger Show" which is being performed at The Campanile (The Garden of Unearthly Delights) until 6th March. Tickets through Fringetix or $18 at the door.

Happy Fringing,
Ladyx Chronowire xx