It’s nice, it’s different, it’s unusual in the best possible way! The cast of AK Creative’s Fountain Lakes: A Very Foxy Parody Musical have hit the jackpot!  If ‘Kath and Kim’ had a musical episode, I imagine it’d be exactly this! The script is written just like an actual episode that mimics the constant original conflicts from the series - such as Kim’s debate whether or not to divorce Brett and Kel’s special anniversary sausage, all blended together in a hilarious hour of musical theatre genius.  This production seems to have found Adelaide’s best ‘Kath and Kim’ doppelgangers to play the original cast. They absolutely nail the mannerisms and iconic Australian accent of every single character. They hit the punchlines and have no shame in being absolutely ridiculous - just as a satirical Fringe show should be! Friday night’s audience was lapping it up!  Even if you missed the boat on Kath & Kim, this show sums up the series so perfectly you will leave having re...

Angus has hit an innovative jackpot with the concept of his show. Part rap, part comedy, part physical theatre, Gus the Frog Spits Bars transports the audience to a dystopian world of rapping frogs, evil farmers and mysterious prophecies. With a captivating blend of whimsy and mystery, Gus the Frog Spits Bars takes audiences on an unexpected journey from the urban River Torrens to the enchanting yet troubled Clare Valley, where a magical curse threatens the land’s prosperity. The saviour of these lands and vines, is rap prodigy Gus the Frog, who undertakes the classic hero’s journey in an attempt to revive the barren Clare Valley.   Angus has absolutely nailed the plot here. For a one man show, he effectively plays multiple roles, dropping many plot twists and turns. Gus the Frog invites the audience along with him as he attempts to solve the mystery, fostering audience intrigue. Shout out to the wine and winery jokes that of course, landed swimmingly with an Adelaide audien...

  Ever been personally victimised by a ‘J’ name? Perhaps taken a midnight train to see a potential love interest? Or have you also trudged through the trenches of Hinge in search of a man with an original prompt response? If you’ve shuddered at the thought of any of these, I suggest sprinting to Maybelline’s debut show ‘Maybelline is in her Slut Era’ and you’ll be able to bask in the comfort that it wasn’t only you!  A show for the chronically online girlies and gays, Maybelline delves into the 132 days of her ‘Slut Era’ with a relatable show about the realities of modern “dating.” She immediately sets a welcoming and safe tone, with a touch of chaotic energy, as she unleashes her wild statistics from her 132 days of sexual liberation. This instantly hooks the audience about what’s to come, giving the same energy as if a friend is about to detail their latest escapades to you. Maybelline uses her comedic storytelling to poke fun at the often chaotic world of dating and men wit...

  ‘Big Name, No Blankets’ is a rock musical about the Warumpi Band, narrated by the band’s founding member Sammy. If you’re unfamiliar (and I learnt this at the show) the Warumpi band was the first rock band to sing in Aboriginal Languages, paving the way for other quintessential musicians such as Yothu Yindi. The story follows their wild rise to fame from playing at home in Papunya NT in the 70s, to their world tour, to their eventual staggered return back to Australia.  I didn’t know much about the band prior to the show, however I left having learnt so much about their music, their personal stories and individual challenges. From the outset, the audience is invited into the story. In between the scenes, the fourth wall was broken to have the audience up on their feet dancing to the band live in concert! Combined with the casts’ phenomenal acting and storytelling, an unspoken feeling of unity is created within the theatre. ‘Big Name, No Blankets’ is more than just a jukebox ...

  As a musical theatre nerd, I knew I could not miss this one! From the outset, the premise of this show had me hooked. FLOP is a deep dive into the biggest Flops in musical theatre history. From shows that closed days after opening, to those who sustained somewhat of a run but were then erased from the internet, Arthur approaches his show as a celebration of the passionate artists on board each one.  From the outset, his venue in The Garden of Unearthly Delights gives the vibes of a hidden jazz bar you’d find in NYC. Arthur sits at the keyboard, setting the preshow intrigue. He then takes the audience through an educational and comedic journey through musical theatre history, attempting to find and sing a hit from each flopped show. His boyish allure addressed the audience personally, effectively blurring the line between seats and stage. The subtle (and overt) roasting of the familiar Grease 2 and Cats films were excellent choices to further appeal to audience familiarity....

In his debut show, Zak has turned his coming out journey into a literal comedic masterpiece! ‘Twinky Twinkly Little Star’ is a fearless dive into self-exploration, as gut-bustingly hilarious as it is heartwarming. Commanding the audience like a pro, Zak shares the overtly obvious signs from his childhood years that he was gay with a shameless sense of self-mockery. He also shares the experiences that followed, delving into the stereotypes, barriers and challenges that come with exploring one’s identity. Never missing a beat, Zak has cemented his status as a stand-up comedian to watch, as there was little time for the audience to recover from howls of laughter from his perfectly timed delivery.  Zak’s construction of the show was also expertly written, taking us from anecdote to anecdote in wicked pace. He cleverly planted a seed of a “secret talent” at the beginning of the show, before treating the audience to his impressive display of such in his hysterical and equally impressive ...

  Sunday 9th March, Sophie Tsoulos, Theatre Diaries Adelaide   'Feminist Trash,’ starring Sugar Bits Comedy’s Nicola Pohl, Tessa Luminati and Stephanie Beza is an outrageously hilarious exploration of modern feminism. Having dug through the cultural trash pile of feminist stereotypes, these performers bring a collection of skits and sketches that comment and critique society’s “understanding” of the term. "Feminist Trash" will take you on a chaotic, hilarious ride where feminist stereotypes meet outrageous comedy and razor-sharp satire, so you better strap in!  From the outset, these three burst into the space ready to take the audience through a rollercoaster of unhinged physical comedy and exaggerated skits. From taking satirical jabs at male behaviour at a urinal, to singing their own original hymn about Bacterial Vaginosis, they leave little time for the audience to catch their breath in between gasping for air with laughter.  Sugar Bits have reminded the au...

  Saturday 8th March, Theatre Dairies Adelaide    Adelaide is treated to a taste of classic Broadway bliss at Broadway off-Broadway! This show is a celebration of homegrown South Australian talent, as these incredible performers have reunited in an epic showcase of Broadway's best hits. Expect to hear a smorgasbord of the classic Musical Theatre ballads and belters, sung by Emma Kavanagh, Stephanie Cole and Callum Warrender. Sprinkled throughout were snippets of the classic ensemble dance numbers that were definitely a highlight for the audience, as Jayden Prelc and Maddie Apacible just exuded pure brilliance and passion in every 8-count! Broadway off-Broadway is a highly professional display of the vocal triumphs of the cast, who proudly boasted their individual abilities to nail some of theatre's most challenging feats vocally. The show is a lovely celebration of the talent that is fostered here in South Australia, as well as the gift of re-connecting with the peer...

  Sunday 2nd March, Sophie Tsoulos, Theatre Diaries Adelaide  I will always advocate that it is so important to listen to the stories and perspectives from cultures other than your own. One of the glorious ways we can do this is through the universal language of music. So, lucky for us, the Grammy Award Winning Soweto Gospel Choir has returned to the Adelaide Fringe with their show HOPE. Soweto began their show with the message "you may not understand the words, but you'll understand the feeling," and this rained absolutely true.  They sang through anthems from the South African Civil Rights Movement with emotionally charged pieces from the Apartheid. Their music incorporated a mix of languages, true to their authentic sound that represents the diverse cultural heritage of South Africa. They also sung through familiar songs about freedom and unity with rich harmonies and passionate delivery. Soweto's show HOPE is a passionate display of music, voice and storytelling. ...

  Saturday 1st March, Sophie Tsoulos @theatrediaries.adl A joyful musical comedy of a far-too relatable overseas trip! Flying solo onstage, Rachel gives a hilariously chaotic re-telling of her travels. She creates a sense of relatability to the feeling most Australians have experienced - that is the urge to escape their small towns and see the world, hoping to find answers about their true purpose. Her original songs about her escapades and tribulations overseas were highly entertaining and relatable. Rachel has definitely proved herself as a strong performer, as she flitters between multiple characters, audience interaction and belter songs without stopping. Motion Sickness reaches maximum velocity, and just like those wild european boat rides, you better strap in!