Amelia Ryan serves up an entree to the impending Fringe cabaret feast.
Every year the Fringe programme becomes fatter, which is a blessing and a curse; more choice means that it can become harder to discover what you will like. For years the comedy arena has dealt with this by delivering variety nights or galas which provide a taste of the array of artists on offer. Local comic siren and 'Lady Liberty' Amelia Ryan has this year produced a much needed equivalent for the cabaret genre: eight local acts performing two songs each as a teaser for their Fringe dates commencing in under a month. The mix of acts meant there was something for everyone's palate.
Alex De Porteous, performing in 'Out Of The Box' is a mix of Jessica Rabbit and Britney Spears – both the school girl-era and crazy head shaving-era.
Kate Fuller plays roots music reminiscent of The Waifs but with the comedic lyricism of Flight of the Conchords. Her show 'Hop, Skip, Swing' doubles as an album launch.
Michael Griffiths ('Cole') and Zach Tyler ('Moving Too Fast') are both smooth and comedic former musical theater stars who will be performing works of revered songwriters Cole Porter and Jason Robert Brown.
Anya Anastasia ('Torte e Mort'), resplendent in the style of Marie Antoinette, produces outlandishly absurdist humour that is as cutting edge as the guillotine.
Georgia Darcy and Louise Meehan continue the French theme with 'She'll Be Right Love, I sing Piaf', a fish-out-of-water tale of Aussie sheilas selling Piaf to the French, mixing cabaret with sketch comedy of the Paul Hogan variety.
As he is want to do, local German superstar Hans ('Viva Hans Vegas' and 'Twins') stole the show with his vigorous finale featuring the splits and party poppers!
To close, the performers assembled and shook it off with a jazzy version of Tay Tay. Hopefully this taste-tester becomes an annual feature of the Fringe calendar.
Adelaide Fringe takes place 12 February - 14 March.
