We’ve locked-down, baked, and Zoomed our way through the worst (it seems) of a pandemic, but how to find our “COVID normal”? Fortunately, we have adopted-Melburnian Tash York and Boo Dwyer from England (via Adelaide) to help. Together these glamorous, leopard-print-clad vocalists are the Petty Bitches, here to advise on how we can live our Best LYF.
Being in different Australian states for much of 2020, the Petty Bitches had quite different pandemic experiences. York revisited old interests and developed eccentric crushes, and Dwyer showed that, when you’re a Petty Bitch, no inconvenience is too small to complain about.
The pair changed lyrics of some well-known pop songs to relate their lock-down experiences. York had attitude to spare in an up-tempo rap routine, but the loud volume blurred some lyrics. Punters might get more from this sequence if they don’t sit too close to the front speakers.
In an era ruled by Kardashians, clearly subtlety belongs to a bygone era. Our performers enthusiastically poked fun at this in demonstrating how we could take the best selfies. The audience was also invited to submit their “biggest small problem” for Dwyer to address with reference to her Instagram “Inspiration Board”. Even if the advice could be sharp, the laughs were loud.
There’s a strong 90s presence amongst the musical selections, with tunes like All that she wants (Ace of Bass) and a medley including Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It, and Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Boom Shake The Room. Enthusiastic performances and the odd surprise wrung comedy out of the music.
Perhaps the thread of advice was a little patchy, but the energy and vocal quality was consistently high. A vigorous closing sequence where the pair explored physical comedy (with costume change, this is cabaret!) is sure to leave you smiling at what these ladies – sorry, Bitches – will do for our entertainment.
Tash York has a history of delivering high-quality cabaret shows such as These Things Take Wine or with The Desperettes. Her vocal range and cheeky charm mean that she can get away with a lot, even off-hand c-bombs lobbed at the audience. With her dry wit, Dwyer was an effective foil, and the pair’s harmonies were a delight.
This high-energy barrage is hard to recall afterwards, but was a wildly enjoyable ride whilst it was happening. In this last week of MICF 2021, punters should ask themselves: If I don’t get to this show, am I really living my Best LYF? As a life coach may say, you already know the answer.
Petty Bitches – Best LYF
Campari House, 23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
Performance: Tuesday 13 April 2021 – 7:30pm
Season continues to 18 April 2021
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Tash York and Boo Dwyer (supplied)
Review: Jason Whyte