As the age-old saying goes, ‘take your broken heart and turn it into art’, and that’s exactly what songstress Lisa Woodbrook has done with her bold Fringe show ‘It’s Not Me, It’s Definitely You: Songs of Amy Winehouse & Lily Allen’.
In the opening moments of her show, Woodbrook reveals she’s been heartbroken and unlucky in love, but from the get-go you know this isn’t a show of self-pity or pining, instead Woodbrook celebrates all the chaotic feelings associated with modern day dating, from infatuation and instant butterflies, to heartache and ultimately self-discovery; all while belting out classic Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen tunes while simultaneously leaving the audience in stitches.
As Woodbrook mentions in her hilarious opening monologue, the 55-minute show has lasted longer than many of her dates and audiences would be perplexed as to why as the Perth-born singer instantly oozes confidence, wit and talent. Woodbrook perfectly sets the tone for the show with her opening performance of Lily Allen’s chart-topper ‘Smile’, where she uses her excellent comedic timing and delivery to make light of a former lover’s infidelity, while still being earnest to the situation.
In between her covers of Winehouse and Allen hits, Woodbrook hilariously recounts the trials and tribulations of dating from dealing with selfish lovers to experiencing unrequited love and the pressures of having her elderly Italian relatives tell her they’re hanging on for dear life so they can see her walk down the aisle. Woodbrook embodies each story with sincerity, wit and charisma that has the audience all rooting for her.
While ‘It’s Not Me, It’s Definitely You’ is mostly a comedy, a show about dating can’t be without its heartbreaking moments and Woodbrook definitely delivers with her soulful and gut-wrenching rendition of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’ which truly stole the show. With nothing but a single spotlight on Woodbrook, the Perth crooner captivated the audience with her gritty vocals and fierce performance, and for a moment we all felt instantly transported to the moment of her heartache.
This show isn’t as showy or glitzy as some other Fringe shows, but Woodbook and her pianist Joshua James Webb prove not every show needs to be, as the duo rely solely on their talent to mesmerise the audience throughout the 55-minute set. All eyes were on the two artists who seemed to be having as much fun working together as the audience did watching them. And if the Perth singer had any doubt why she’s been unlucky in love, her performance which showcases her wit, charisma and vocal talent prove it’s definitely not Lisa. . . It’s them.
★★★★★
'It's Not Me, It's Definitely You' plays The Hat Trick at The Woodside Pleasure Garden until 25 January.
