All posts tagged: Review

FRINGE REVIEW: Gender Spanner

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 …

The XX in Perth City

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 …

Glee's Chris Colfer is a Talented Writer Aswell?!

Chris Colfer, better known for his golden globe winning role on Glee has proven his talents do not just remain on screen. Colfer has recently published a children’s book ‘The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell’ and I was more than excited to read it! This page turner had me living in my 10 year old body for a few days as I was engrossed in a fairy tale world. The story tells of 12 year old twins Alex and Conner who get lost in their grandmas story book. Forget the classic Disney versions of Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Chris pulls inspiration from Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm brothers. From the very beginning I fell in love with both characters, Alex the quiet and reserved girl who loves reading and Conner the typical class clown boy who has trouble staying awake in class. Throughout their adventures they each bring their own humour to the story. It all starts with a book given to Alex on her 12th birthday that she and her brother …

The Vengaboys Hit Freo with a "Boom"

Last night I saw the Vengaboys. You remember them, don’t you? The late 90’s Eurodance, few-hit wonders. Of course you remember such classics as “Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!” and “We Like To Party”, spawned from their 1998 debut “The Party Album!” I, for one, remember that my suburban, Australian childhood was filled with these cheesy, Euro, club songs for some reason. The songs were silly and catchy and I suspect that the primary motivation for people seeing them in 2012 is for a dose of pure, sing-along, nostalgia. Apparently the Vengaboys enjoy partying, and party they did at their show at Metropolis Fremantle, in 2012, over ten years since their last release. The sold out crowd was packed into Metro’s, waiting in keen anticipation for their slice of the 90’s. This was only heightened by the support DJs who played an impressive mix of 90’s dance-pop classics. Despite the sweltering heat and the crowd being covered in sweat before the headliners even made the stage, the atmosphere was of fun and anticipation, enhanced by the …

Dresden Dolls Perth 2012 – Review

Amanda “Fucking” Palmer and Brian Viglione together are the Dresden Dolls. Forming in 2000, they have had a well earned break after their hiatus in 2008 and their choice to leave their record label. They have since reformed in 2010 and returned to Australia, performing in Perth last night.  In the cute and cosy Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley, Perth, swarms of intricately dressed beings from all walks of life emerged for the final show of the Dresden Dolls Australian tour. As the last gig of the official tour, they set out to put on an unforgettable show. With back up artists Melbourne band, The Jane Austen Argument and Tasmania’s The Bedroom Philosopher (Justin Heazlewood) warming up the crowd the scene was set for the Dresden Dolls to grace the stage. Amanda Palmer runs on stage sporting a Japanese style kimono, soon to be taken off to unveil a slightly more revealing choice of outfit, followed by a shirtless Brian with his face painted with the usual mime artist style. The lights are on and the music …