All posts filed under: Reviews

FRINGE REVIEW: #madashell The Musical

Published by thequeerav

Fringe World Perth went out with a bang this year with Dean Misdale’s show “#madashell The Musical” gracing the stage of Four5Nine Bar on Saturday and Sunday night to sold out audiences. The show, performed by Misdale’s alter ego Feminem, brought to life YouTube series #madashell in comedy cabaret form, and was full of real life encounters and parody songs to boot. To the sound of some familiar tunes, and in sequinned attire, Feminem takes you on a journey of epic proportions, and gives insight into what makes her #madeashell; something not to be missed. After all, hell hath no fury like an angry drag queen. From singing about curious strangers who think it’s ok to touch drag queens without permission, to the finger lickin’ goodness that is KFC, there was something in there for everyone! And, to round off the performance: a costume change, some lip-syncing (what’s a drag show without it), and an all round bitch session on what made people in the audience #madashell. Feminem had the audience laughing from start to …

FRINGE REVIEW: Gender Spanner

Published by thequeerav

Jessica McKerlie’s “Gender Spanner” made it’s WA premiere at Perth Fringe World on Tuesday night at The Ellington Jazz Club. The show is part burlesque, part cabaret and 100% full of “labels that just don’t stick”, a reference you’ll understand on a whole new level if you see the performance for yourself. Inspired by McKerlie’s own explorations and understanding of gender fluidity, the show touches base on areas not often openly talked about or explored in performance pieces. Armed with a ukulele and many other props (potato and gravy anyone?), McKerlie presents an honest and empowering performance filled with thought provoking ideas and questions about what it means to be a man, a woman, or somewhere in between. Though I felt some acts didn’t flow from one to the next as well as they could have, there’s no denying the acts themselves were well thought out and entertaining on so many levels. McKerlie’s ability to hold the crowds attention, and to use their quick wit to stop mid performance to clarify any misunderstandings was hilarious, leaving …

FRINGE REVIEW: PANTS! (and other things)

Published by thequeerav

Nestled in the corner of The Rosemount Hotel is Four5Nine Bar, a cosy space home to many Fringe World performances this season including Lexie McGee’s debut show; “PANTS! (and other things). I had the pleasure of going to see the show on Monday night, the third of five performances gracing the Fringe World stage, surrounded by an almost sold out crowd. Launching her self-titled debut EP, the show follows the thoughts, ideas and teachings of Lexie as she navigates her way through topics such as gender diversity, gay mermen and bowl cuts, through song and, of course, interpretive dance. The show begins with musician Maisie on stage alone with a guitar, playing the sweet introduction of the show’s first song. Lexie makes her first and very sudden appearance by bursting through the stage curtain, wide eyed and dapperly dressed, glitter and the colour red obviously key features in her outfit. The song was slow to begin, though soon picked up once the interpretive dancing kicked in, leaving the audience in fits of laughter with ever …

FRINGE REVIEW: Tom Ballard’s New Show ‘The World Keeps Happening’

Published by thequeerav

Former Triple J radio presenter and all round funny guy Tom Ballard has been gracing the stage at The Gold Digger in this year’s Perth Fringe with his brand new show; ‘The World Keeps Happening’. In his show, Ballard explores the idea that everything in this world is sinister and confusing and on the verge of collapse, all whilst providing ideas on how he could potentially solve these worldly issues. He talks about feminism, terrorism, online dating and more, all topics that hold great interest and controversy to people all over the world. However, I most enjoyed when Ballard asked the audience of their excitement about Australia Day approaching. The audience replied how any audience member should at a stand up comedy show (with little enthusiasm so as not to draw attention to themselves), at which point Ballard replied “Well you shouldn’t be,” and talked about what Australia Day (ie Invasion Day/Survival Day) really represents. Preach! Ballard’s stand up performance, though controversial at times, captivated the audience from start to finish. His jokes about his …

A Review on the TransTastic Talent Showcase: An Artist’s Perspective

Published by thequeerav

I was fortunate enough to be involved as a displaying artist in the inaugural TransTastic Talent Showcase in Perth last weekend. Fortunate because it was warming to the core to be surrounded by my community and by people who support my community on a night where I was there as myself. I am usually myself, flagrantly and unabashed when I can help it, but this was a whole different class of experience. To be a transgender androgyne at Connections on a night intended to celebrate the abilities and the power of the trans* and gender diverse community was an empowering experience. Inaugural because it had better not be the last time an event like that happens in Perth if I can help it. Along with my more visual artistic fellows Lex and Asher and their gorgeous creations, my work occupied that intimate corner of Connections with the soft couches. As someone who is innately a writer, there was a unique swell of pride and terror that came with watching individuals and groups negotiate their meandering …

Gayby Baby Review: Families Leading Lives of Diversity and Acceptance

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I’m not sure what I expected as the lights came down at Cinema Paradiso on Sunday night for Perth’s Q&A screening of Gayby Baby. A documentary of course, but what kind of documentary? It seems anyone with a camera and something to say can make one these days, but it takes talent, determination and a lot of hard work to make something that has the ability to really inspire and make a difference in peoples lives. So, what kind of documentary is Gayby Baby? Gayby Baby follows the lives of four kids being raised by same sex parents; Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham. Produced by Charlotte Mars and directed by Maya Newell, someone who also grew up with same sex parents, the film goes into great depth about the struggles, triumphs and day to day experiences of these kids, who’s parents just happen to be gay. Sounds great doesn’t it! The New South Wales government doesn’t think so. Just last week they banned the screening of Gayby Baby during school hours where it was scheduled …

Le Gateau Chocolat and Her Chocolate Salty Balls

Published by thequeerav

If I had to say just one thing about Fringe’s Le Gateau Chocolat: I Heart Chocolat, it would be: go see it…Next year! That’s right folks, if you’re from Perth then unfortunately you’ve missed out. Be sure to be first in line for the show if it comes back though because after this years performance I’m sure the tickets will be selling fast. Le Gateau Chocolat may have left Perth, but I’m still hearing chatter about how amazing the show was. I made the last minute decision to buy a ticket for Friday’s opening night performance, despite it also being Perth Fringe World Festival’s opening night, and therefore packed! The line to get into De Parel Spiegeltent ran almost the length of Perth Cultural Centre’s Urban Orchard at 8:30pm for a 9pm start. The seats were soon filled, and the show began with quiete and polite introducions from the queen herself, offering what looked like maltesers from a large glass bowl. Fast forward five minutes and she was on stage singing ‘Suck on …

8 Reasons You'll Love Famous Sharron (Not that you need them)

Published by thequeerav

In the suburbs of Perth there lives a woman; a woman like no other. Her fame is something to be inspired by and her use of glitter and colourful outfits something to be flat out jealous of. I don’t even need to say the name, you know who I’m talking about already right? Famous, colourful, glamorous, funny and…FAMOUS. Oh what the heck, it makes me feel a little closer to fame every time I say it; it’s FAMOUS SHARRON. I finally had the opportunity to see a Famous Sharron show on Sunday night at Fringe World (Famous SHARRON – The Fame Game). I have to say, she definitely made me LOL throughout the whole show with her quick wit, performance routines and interviews. It’s definitely something you need to see at some stage in your life. To get an idea of what to expect from a Famous Sharron show and reasons why you’ll love her I thought I’d come up with a list of some of my favourite things about her performance from the show I attended last week. 1. When …

The XX in Perth City

Published by thequeerav

As the whispered chatter died down, everyone suddenly became still in anticipation for The XX to infect the stage at Metro City, April 2. Images of the arm flailing bass player from the previous band will never be forgotten but were well in the back of everyone’s mind by this point (What was the name of the band anyway. I know I sound old but I couldn’t here a word of what they were saying). The veiling of the equipment and instruments had already taken place showing two giant clear X’s displayed at centre stage. As the iconic sound of The XX hit the crowd in the form of the song ‘Try’ everyone went into excitement overload only to realise it was but a mere sound check. And to this the girl standing behind me responded, “Oh…haha, I didn’t think I recognised the song.” …….*ULTIMATE FACE PALM. This aside (and the hope that hopefully the whole crowd weren’t try hard hipsters like the girl standing behind me) I went on to enjoy the show, and …

Friday's Fashion Post – 'Good Guys Don't Wear Leather'

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By Jaini Shah Who wouldn’t want to wear some awesome vegan friendly shoes right from the suburbs of Paris? They’re fashionable, comfortable and contain no animal products because guess what? ‘Good Guys don’t wear leather’. In the words of Good Guys themselves; “GOOD GUYS cherishes the past, but embraces the future. The brand plays with shapes, styles and looks from older times, but continually explores new materials and production methods.” Sounds pretty cool huh? I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pair of these bad boys for my birthday after a few of my friends put in to buy them for me. The best thing about them is that anyone can wear them and look uber fashionable with their amazing colours and styles suitable to fit anyone’s wardrobe. Check out the Good Guys website at http://goodguys.fr/ for their new season stock or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodguysparis for updates.