Six Chick Flicks …or a Legally Blonde Pretty Woman Dirty Danced on the Beaches while writing a Notebook on the Titanic gives us what we want. Parody of all the tropes of our favourite movies whilst also cleverly highlighting the potholes and issues with them.
Kerry Ipema and KK Apple are insanely talented, their multi roling ability is off the charts and then you throw in the singing. They jump between characters and genders effortlessly and never miss a punchline.
Energy does start to dip after the fourth rom-com when the trope of the show is clear, however Ipema and Apple then dive into a live improv which is equally impressive.
My issue with the show is entirely personal however, I think Legally Blonde is a flawless show and therefore should not be parodied – but Ipema and Apple did it well, one of the best Jennifer Coolidge impressions I’ve seen.
It’s clever, funny and fast paced, definitely one not to miss.
“The hero’s journey that’s never talked about.” Impossible to give it anything less than 5 stars, really funny and worth a watch. I think I’m going to try and see it again!
From the Hairy Godmothers, Dizney in Drag is a hero’s quest with a twist. This Australian group brings to life a story of love, self-discovery and acceptance.
The stage is simple; a chaise longue, brought centre stage for the all-important dramatic moments and a red curtain which the performers largely entered and exited stage. Bright lights add to the colourful show with costumes based on beloved Disney characters, showing a VERY different side to them. Remixes of Disney songs were played as the audience came in and sat down which really drew you in to the nostalgia.
An opening musical number kicked things off, introducing the characters and setting the tone. Well known songs were sung throughout but with humorously altered lyrics. The Hairy Godmother was our guide through this topsy-turvy world, bringing humor and a presence which brought the show together. Whilst we join for the hero’s quest for a one true love, topical discussions pop up such as consent, kinks and a taboo busting period number which had the women in the audience in stitches, I am sure!
I am not a fan of audience participation but it was hard to not get involved when the actors interacted with the audience and I felt a sense of acceptance from the production, which is something I personally don’t get from many shows. With this, there does come some audience heckling to a degree, which the actors handled with grace and the added improv element really helped to bring this parody to life with all too real references to current life.
Whilst based on much loved Disney characters, the actors brought a fresh take and humorous spin with energetic performances. It was very easy to get drawn in to the performance and there was always something to draw your attention. Some jokes possibly didn’t land as maybe expected which the Hairy Godmother commented on which only added to the humour as they didn’t break character and I quite liked that element as I can imagine different audiences mean that each show might be slightly different.
Dizney in Drag is a wonderfully funny, tongue-in-cheek, X-rated journey into a beloved world, questioning social norms and accepting that it is ok to be different. Full of puns, props and playfulness, this high-energy performance is running until 14th July at the Underbelly in Cavendish Square. Catch it if you can, I’m going to try and see it again before the end!
Yippee Ki Yay MotherF*cker indeed – charming parody of Die Hard that has the audience giggling as the poetry slams home
Renowned storyteller Richard Marsh, a recipient of the Fringe First award, London poetry slam championship, and BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama award, brings a delightful twist to the classic film Die Hard. Marsh presents a show that garnered rave reviews during its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and is now set to make its London debut before embarking on an international tour – next stop Adelaide fringe.
In this joyfully funny production, off-duty policeman John McClane becomes the last hope for hostages when gunmen take control of an LA skyscraper, whilst Rich jumps through all the hoops available to bring his own love story to a romantic ending. This uplifting 75 minute show, labeled as an unauthorized parody, lovingly pays homage to the beloved 80s fan favourite whilst adding a heartwarming personal touch that nicely balances the die-hard Die Hard trivia.
Marsh has got a commanding stage presence that demands the audience’s attention, gaining belly laughs, woof whistles and sympathetic cooing at all the requested points. He’s got a real talent for bringing audience onside and is comfortable breaking the fourth wall to confide in us as well as improvising when sound effects miss their cues. I’m always nervous when Fringe productions transition to a big stage as sometimes the lack of intimacy can make some solo performers stumble over delivery and engagement with their audience. Marsh has no such qualms – there were a few stumbled one-liners but not to be surprised when he’s monologuing in rhyme for over an hour and after any slip up, the cadence and rhythm was always professionally and smoothly resumed.
The movement and set complemented the simplicity of the story beautifully – no fancy frills detracted from Marsh’s delivery but funny little additions including a budget waterfall and an adorable teddy garnered continuous laughter and almost enough praise to be considered co-actors.
My party of four consisted of two who very rarely frequent the theatre and they loved every minute. Marsh has a universal appeal to film aficionados, nerds and theatre-lovers – there’s something for everyone. There’s no doubt he’ll be received well at the Adelaide Fringe – even if they’re not totally au fait with Die Hard 😉
