Clint, our sassy Fringe Correspondent has done the rounds this year and penned all you need to kick off your Perth Fringe Binge. Or, if you’ve already snuck out over the past week, this will at least keep you in front of the stage for another few days.
So you remember that New Year’s resolution you made to be healthier and drink less? Yeah, you’ll have to put that off for the next 4 weeks because IT’S FRINGEWORLD TIME!
That’s right, the glitter is shining, the carnies are singing and FRINGEWORLD is BACK! Outdoor bars and food vans galore will entice you out to Russel Square Park and the Cultural Centre (between the State Library and Museum) for sundowners that vibe with the best of them.
Perth, once referred to as “The biggest country town in the world,” has gracefully pulled the finger back at its daggy slogan slingers and now boasts Australia’s biggest Fringe Festival, and the 3rd Biggest Fringe Festival in the world! Just one look at the novel of a Fringe Guide might have given you an inkling that it is a really big deal now.
But what the hell should you see? Well let me, a sassy, hard to impress vamp tell you the 5 shows that blew my socks off and you should not miss.
1. BRIEFS
Photo by Concrete Playground
Oh my days, it is hilarious. A show for the guys and the ladies, these fellas do bogan charm to a T. Decked in sequins, drag, or not much at all (!!!) the Briefs boys will have you cramping with laughter, gasping in disbelief and clambering back to see it again. Faultless to a point!
2. Frisky and Mannish
Photo by Frisky and Mannish
The uber talented musical comedy duo from the UK are world festival favourites. Think of the comedy of Ab Fab and The Vicar of Dibley, meets the voice of Adele, Cristina, Britney, Jessie J, infact ANY FEMALE VOCALIST because she is one of the most gifted singers alive! So much talent that you will want to hug her and punch her in the head at the same time.
3. She Dances
Photo by Natural Wings
Dawn Pascoe is the international superstar of this solo show that takes trapeze to such a beautiful place that you won’t know how she did it, but she freaking gets to you! Scenes of such power and grace that look like she is dancing through the air, or like a mermaid through the ocean. A powerful, engaging piece about beauty and love, that ticks all the boxes of noir fans and circus fans alike.
4. Circus Show Freaks
Photo by Circus Freak Show
This sells out every…single…year. And gets rave reviews galore. It’s freakish, your mouth will unhinge in horror, faster than my Aunt Gertrude debones a chicken. But I digress; my Aunt Gertrude is a freak show that you don’t want to see. These performers however are sexy, crazy and fun.
5. Cougar Morrison, RAWWR!
Photo by Joel Devereux
Cougar Morrison, is a vision of old world Parisian cabaret, by way of Bowie – a deliciously fierce pixie, dripping in velvet and jewels. Hilariously sassy, androgynously sexy and delicately heartbreaking, he is leading the cabaret world right now. With an astounding vocal quality that sounds like Edith Piaf and Joanie Mitchell got together and created some sort of beautiful voice-baby, this pocket rocket in heels with cheekbones for days is not to be missed.
As someone who travels around the world to the Fringe Festivals, take it from me that Perth’s Fringeworld is freaking phenomenal. Every type of person, culture, field of talent, is right here, whooping with glee at the shows and being damn proud to call Perth home. Each year I hear hundreds of passersby say, “Fuck I love Perth,” and you know what, during Fringeworld time it’s really hard to disagree with that.
Written by Clint Strindberg.