Category Archives: Adelaide Cabaret Fringe 2011

Jenny Wynter Gets Her Flashdance Moment

Posted on by adelaideartbeat
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Written By Magenta Potocnik

Blonde. Actress. Pregnant. Married. Canada. Children. Sex.

Most people have certain expectations of their self- portraiture and “life” but as we all know, the ambiguity of it all can send us turning. Jenny Wynter’s theatrical rendition of her life so far was the classic case of everything NOT going according to planned. It’s all about the gorgeous husband, Sydney mansion and the “Flashdance Moment”. Right? Right? …Wrong!

Jenny Wynter in The Unexpected Variety Show

Wynter presents a one woman 90-minute show that showcases her amazing musical ability and songwriting skills. The song Bring On The Men perfectly illustrated the crazy sexual escapades that Wynter has found herself in. This followed by the unexpected, “social life” threatening news that any single girl dreads hearing (cue: you’re pregnant!), and voila! A song tribute to child birth and labour found its way to the stage. My midwife of a mum, who was sitting next to me and has seen her fair share of babies and “hoo haas”, absolutely loved Wynter’s song! The Comic Mummy also shared her hilarious mother-daughter duet that shifts from “Mummy Rocks” to “Mummy Sucks”. Though this incredibly sensual lady may not think she is “living the life” as an official actress/comedian, it seems she is well on her way.

There was a real passion and vibrancy within Wynter’s voice, stance and facial expressions. I just loved her energy! At one point, I felt Wynter’s piercing gaze slice through me, even though she was probably staring at the wall behind me, seriously gave me the shivers. She finally had the opportunity to perform to Irene Cara’s What A Feeling and have her “Flashdance Moment” – and will do for at least two nights more. I know could see her over and over again.

The venue, Tuxedo Cat, was fitting, the audience attentive and the lighting really set the mood: dim for the heartfelt and bright for the energetic. It really added to the emotional rollercoaster in the tiny theatre room.

Jenny Wynter oozes talent, and The Unexpected Variety Show is a very passionate piece. It runs at Tuxedo Cat until 25 June. Book your tickets here.

Kaberett @ La Boheme

Posted on by Archetrybe
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Kaberett has been designed to give up and coming cabaret artists – and more experienced artists who are trying out new ideas – the space to do so. Given the purpose of Kabarett, I will critique in (hopefully) a constructive way.

Performer 1 – Roslyn Lock

Lock is an opera singer and, it must be said, has a glorious voice. Her piece was a mixture of (slightly comic) narrative and song. It didn’t quite work, because it was much more narrative than song. The routine was a tad “try-hard” in terms of the gags and (shock horror!) swearing. There was an effort to engage the audience by a bit of a Q&A, but unfortunately seemed forced, and fell flat. To be frank, the story was neither interesting nor engaging, and needs some heavy editing and tightening up. Lock could work on the timing too, and perhaps include more songs and singing. Reading from notes did not aid in her delivery of her lines.

My advice to Lock would be: the narrative shouldn’t be the focus of your show. Let your beautiful singing voice speak for itself!

Performer 2 – James McLean

This was only McLean’s second show, and while the nerves were evident at times, he recovered professionally and with humourous aplomb. McLean’s routine was tight and funny; he was a delightful balance of comedian and crooner. He put a lot of effort into polishing his comedy, and it showed. It was intelligent and refreshing. No schoolboy humour from this young performer! The songs complemented his comedy and were chosen well. He has a pleasant voice, but nerves probably got in the way in the delivery of some notes, as he was a trifle pitchy in spots. In my opinion, McLean is one to watch…

My advice to McLean: give the audience more attention – they love you and want your attention! Do not shy away from making eye contact.

Performer 3 – Deborah Caddy

Caddy is also an opera singer, and her show was devoted to her love of and for Olivia Newton-John. In my opinion, she had just the right amount of narrative that took us on a journey as she discovered ONJ as a young girl. The songs were well chosen, and Caddy proved herself a confident performer. Such a glorious voice, perfectly suited to our Livvie’s songs. I enjoyed this performance so much that I wanted to get myself to the nearest karaoke bar and belt out Hopelessly Devoted to You.

My advice for Caddy: think about shortening the songs slightly. The audience just doesn’t need to hear the entire rendition to appreciate the journey you are taking them on.

Overall, it takes guts to perform and it doesn’t matter if it’s a new show or a new performer. I take my hat off to all of you and wish you luck and success with your artistic endeavours!

Sultry, Suggestive & Saucy

Posted on by peteskiau
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There is definitely something hot about burlesque; be it the cheeky flirtatious looks the girls share with you; or just the naked female form being flaunted on the stage. It coy & sultry, sexy and beautiful, and something that everyone should at least see a few times in their lives. Nexus Cabaret was a packed house, hardly any seats free, for this R18+ rated treat.

Peaches ‘N’ Gin‘s newest show, A Deliciously Dark Burlesque, kicked off with a cheesy Rohan Watts & David Salters vaudevillian opening number. Cara Louise then played the “show-off” with her tongue-in-cheek song regarding a customer interaction about a chair in her second hand store. Cara can certainly belt out a tune, such a powerful voice. At times, she did not it the notes and during her second number, it was difficult to hear her. [Ed's Note - this may have been a technical difficulty.]

The girls who make the show are current Miss Burlesque [SA], Miss Sapphire Snow and Miss Luna Eclipse, and boy are these girls talented. Both have won awards for their talents over the past couple of years. Their cheeky smiles and show just enough skin, so as to maintain decency. This makes them all the more alluring and intriguing. They definitely look the part; eye make up, hair and undergarments are spot on: saucy and suggestive is hot!

The comedic banter and musings between the cast and some crowd members was fun to watch and listen to; a seemingly intoxicated older man down the front was a pest for a few moments, but he was soon put in his place by Watts with some quick wit. Cara professionally dealt with an audience member’s mobile phone ringing.

The 3 piece band on stage did a suitable of job of providing a fair amount of the music for the show; although some of the music is pre-recorded. After researching (read: stalking) the drummer on social media, it was revealed that he’d only had a brief run through of the music beforehand. This would explain his uncertainty when given vocal cues.

I would love to see this show someday with a live band throughout, and possibly running for a little longer too. For me, the hour wasn’t enough and I wanted to see a more then what I had. From all reports, David Salter is quite talented so having him belt out a few numbers would be great.

I’d also love to see this show when not surrounded by “Chatty Kathys”. The main culprits being a group of mid 20′s aged guys who I can only assume had either seen the show before, or who have sewed their wild oats so many times that the semi-naked females on stage provided no entertainment value, so they decided to discuss the organisation of a night out in town instead.

Peaches ‘N’ Gin is one of Adelaide’s best burlesque duos. Unfortunately, their season at Nexus Cabaret during the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival has come to a close. Keep track of their activities on their website.

Who Wants $50?

Posted on by RubinaInRadelaide
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Hypnotism is an form of art rarely seen about Adelaide; the smooth, suave Isaac Lomman seems to be the only performing practitioner.

Hypnotist, Isaac Lomman

His show, Comedy Hypnosis, takes the audience on a journey, delving deeper and deeper into the subconscious minds of the volunteers on stage. It is like falling under a meditative spell (sleep now!), relaxing your mind and your body to the point where they become clay for Lomman to mould and shape as he sees fit.

Not to worry, this show [Ed's Note: Unlike PeachesNGin'sR18+ show, A Deliciously Dark Burlesque] does not contain any nudity or profanity, nor does it embarrass those brave enough to be hypnotised. There are even a few challenges that prove Lomman’s capacity as a hypnotist… really, would you say no to $50?

For those intent on participating, my advice to you is to remember that there is no “right way” to be placed under hypnosis. Be sure to keep your mind open and not concern yourself with how you react to Lomman’s instructions. The moment you lose the focus, you are likely not to regain it and as a result, not be able to re-enter that deep state of hypnosis.

Lomman also confidently brushes past moments where his show does not go according to plan, where perhaps a volunteer is able to overcome a challenge Lomman has set. It is here where an insight into Lomman’s comedic style can be observed briefly.

Higher Ground is the ideal venue, providing Lomman with a large stage space and audience scattered over cabaret-style seating. The MC who announced Lomman seemed a little nervous, but dimmed the lights, dispersed the smoke and played the musical cues at precisely the right moments. All these production elements really added to Lomman’s performance – it becomes so much more intense!

Comedy Hypnosis is on until June 18 at Higher Ground.

With Or Without La Pasion?

Posted on by adelaideartbeat
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Written by Ashlee Jenkins

First things first. The ladies and men from Flamenco Dance Areti are talented. HUGELY talented. The sheer amount of skill and stamina it would take to put on a performance like theirs is phenomenal.

The musicians were flawless. The guitarists, vocalist/drummer and girls who appeared to be there just to clap and randomly shout were fantastic. The musicians truly enjoyed themselves on stage, so much so that their enjoyment was contagious. The audience seemed to have a better time too.

Flamenco Dance Areti

Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the dancers. Whilst they looked gorgeous and performed impeccably, there was no passion in La Pasion. The dancers were deep in concentration, their faces focused. There were times when I could clearly see them counting their steps. I couldn’t connect with there performers at all. It didn’t help that if you were not seated in the front three rows at Nexus Cabaret, you were unable to see any of their intricate footwork. At least, I’m assuming it was intricate, as I was in the back.

If the dancers were able to enjoy what they were doing a bit more, it would have made the world of difference to the show.