Perth’s Fringe World Festival is bigger, brassier and bolder than ever, with a staggering 450 shows available for the public’s viewing pleasure. A summer smorgasbord of entertainment, the 2014 program is packed full of new and familiar treats. Arts Review takes a look at five shows you must see!
Matthew Mitcham – Twists and Turns
He won gold with the highest single-dive score in Olympic history. Revealed in his recent autobiography, life behind the spotlight was plagued by mental illness and drug abuse, overcome to achieve greatness. Away from diving, Matthew is a talented singer and musician who shares the highs and lows of his incredible young life through theatre and song in the world premiere of his first solo show. 1 – 8 February 2014 – De Parel Spiegeltent
Michael Griffiths – In Vogue: Songs By Madonna
Michael Griffiths IS Madonna as you’ve never heard or seen her before. No accent, costume or wig. Just ‘Madge’ accompanying herself at the piano leading you on a journey through her tough life and tender songs. Strike a pose and get into the groove as Madonna opens her heart! 4 – 9 February 2014 – De Parel Spiegeltent
Candice McQueen: Nasty!
The immortal demi-goddess Candice McQueen is a Mr Sister who has partied her way around the world for thousands of years. The show is a comedy-cabaret about Candice falling in love with a fallen 90s screen idol and the journey to save both their lives weaving 90s pop culture, songs of the 90s and fashion. A cabaret reworking of Orpheus meets Clueless. 4 – 9 February 2014 – De Parel Spiegeltent
Stratosfunk – Shake Down!
Which came first: The dance move? Or the song about the dance move? Winners of the Fringe World 2013 Music Award, spectacular 9-piece Soul band Stratosfunk stage an epic ‘Shake Down’ to pay tribute to the songs that fuelled the dance-craze phenomenon of the 50s and 60s. Let’s Twist! 10 – 14 February 2014 – De Parel Spiegeltent
Yana Alana – Between the Cracks
Diva extraordinaire – the feather ruffler, the rabble rouser, the cabaret provocateur, Yana Alana, takes to the stage for her first solo show (with two people in it). Traversing the private places and deepest holes of this multi-award winning diva as she opens up and bares all in this bent night of blues, burlesque and blame. 20 – 23 February 2014 – Salon Perdu Spiegeltent
Fringe World continues to 23 February 2014. For more information, visit: www.fringeworld.com.au for details.
Image: Yana Alana – by Peter Leslie