They say everything happens for a reason - so perhaps if Courtney Monsma never blew Phoebe Rodger a kiss during the curtain call of Wicked , and Phoebe never ended up in hospital as a result of said kiss, then we may not have ever been treated to this delightful cabaret! And if you’re curious about how these events are connected, you will just have to see the show! Phoebs, You’re a Lesbian marks a stellar Fringe debut from Phoebe Rodger. This one woman cabaret is a charming and cheeky plunge into queer identity and self-discovery. Additionally, Rodger does not shy away from political and societal commentary that purposefully bites, bringing her whole show together with a message about recognition of the past and acceptance of others.  The show begins with anecdotes of Phoebe’s road to the discovery of her queer self - from the embarrassingly “late” first kiss to being attracted to “feminine” men. In true cabaret fashion, she sings through most of these tales and even effort...

  Oh My God, I truly don’t know how else I can praise Love is a Game: An Adele Song Cycle in ways that have not already been said. The concept, the craftsmanship, the CAST cannot be faulted, I am only kicking myself now for not seeing this more than once!  Created by Oliver John, who is also in the cast, Love is a Game is an immaculately constructed work that seamlessly weaves together the hits from Adele into a collection of vignettes about love in all forms. What a unique way to pay tribute to an artist that is far beyond the choice to cover their songs. The show takes Adele’s lyrics and storytelling and brings them to life in a series of scenes whereby the cast ebb and flow through a myriad of relationship archetypes and the emotions felt. This has the audience incredibly hooked and invested from the start.  The cast is a harmonious group, all getting a chance to shine individually, but their strength lies in their ability to be a collective. The layering of the cas...

  From the icons Gravity & Other Myths, I FINALLY made it to their award-winning show Ten Thousand Hours. A cast of eight elite acrobats, one hour of the most jaw-dropping feats of human strength and precision. This is a show that defies all you think is humanly possible.  What I loved about Ten Thousand Hours, is how it is constructed to look like one long training session. When you enter, the cast is warming up in their individual training gear, setting the tone of pros in action. When the show begins, there are sequences that are clearly rehearsed and timed to perfection, contrasted with others that are improvised in the moment with the help of the audience. All acts however, prove the sheer strength and athleticism of this cast.  They begin stacking themselves into human towers as the first sequence - and you are sat thinking, where on earth can they go from here?! The audience gasps and then erupts into applause at every stunt no matter their age. The live drummi...

  Treating us to a full length musical this Fringe season is local company Gemini Creative Arts, with their joyous production of Crush The Musical . Directed by Sarah Williams and performed by a knockout cast of local talent, Crush is an uplifting celebration of queer love schoolgirl camaraderie! Set in a 1960s British girls’ boarding school, Crush follows a group of students whose free-spirited world is upended when a strict headmistress arrives determined to stamp out rebellion and the budding romance between two girls. What unfolds is a cheeky, heartfelt musical about friendship, first love, and uniting to stand up against oppressive rules. This production is stripped back but has all it needs to shine: A live orchestra arranged by Steven Edis, a full cast with soaring talents, and an excellent use of positioning on a small stage. Williams’ choreography treated the audience to dynamic and visually exciting movements, I especially loved the addition of the hockey tap number, whi...

  You never know what to expect when visiting ILA. The ability of this venue to blend all sensory elements to create an immersive experience that extends beyond just “looking” at art, is truly unique and exciting.    Currently showing here until the 15th of March as part of the Adelaide Festival, is an immersive photography study by South Australian artist Alex Frayne titled ‘Manifest Destiny.’ With a camera in tow, Frayne has photographed his travels across the United States from the lesser known lens. His aim was to explore the ‘fractured psyche of modern America,’ photographing moments, people and landscapes from the West Coast, Deep South and Bible Belt.  Beginning with a playfully fun touch, you are welcomed to a Texas-Style roadhouse that is so realistic that you are asked to not leave without trying their hot sauce! Then, you are bid farewell and ushered into the gallery. Covering the walls floor to ceiling are the shots and stories from Frayne’s travels. What...

  Orchestrating one hour of whimsical, nostalgic fun, is emerging artist Billie-Rose Russell in their debut cabaret ‘All Grown Up (But Not Really). At 11am, The Jade is packed with a room full of adults with teddies on laps, ready to forget our heavy responsibilities for just a short while!  Billie-Rose acts as the vivacious, chaotic host of this early 2000s dreamscape. She bursts in with a bubbly, excitable joy and infectious exuberance, taking us back to a simpler time. Billie-Rose is completely herself and at ease on stage, instantly creating an inviting environment for the audience. The stage is set like her childhood bedroom, so be prepared to be hit with waves of nostalgia as she empties her toy box…! The message of the show is to not be afraid to embrace your inner child, and Billie-Rose has us all do just that.  She authentically shares heartwarming anecdotes from her childhood, from school tuckshops to primary school discos, to having a sensitive attachment to al...