PERTH’S SEVENTH ANNUAL FRINGE FESTIVAL OPENS TOMORROW

Shane | 17 January 2019 | Reply

PERTH’S SEVENTH ANNUAL FRINGE FESTIVAL OPENS TOMORROW
By Shane Pinnegar

Festival Director Amber Hasler welcomed media representatives to a special preview performance today showcasing several of the acts featuring in the 2019 Fringe Festival, opening in Perth tomorrow, Friday 18 January.

Declaring the festival was set to become “the happiest place in Perth” with over 700 acts appearing in 138 venues over the next 31 days, Hasler reminded attendees that this was the largest annual event in Western Australia, and the third largest Fringe Festival in the world.

Proving that there really is something for everyone at Fringe, today’s brief performances were diverse and enthralling.

Local drag act MÄCHÉ: REPOSE opened the mini-show for media, prompting the realisation that this is drag, Jim – but not as we know it. One of the most sparkling and colourful drag acts you’re likely to see at Fringe, they mash-up energetic dance and mime set to a pulsing electro beat, leaving a shining trail of glittering tinsel in their wake.

Seductive vamp FATALE gives Jessica Rabbit a run for her money with her sultry ways, then thrilled with a sword swallowing act which made us hope she had her tonsils removed first. Her full show includes fire eating and whip cracking and strip tease and promises to be a titillating thrill of the Festival.

In fine Fringe form our next showcase act, RAILED, were still en route from the airport when their time came, but not to worry – out walks a man looking like Rodney Rude in a space helmet and an adult diaper! CAM VENN, previewing his absurdist Charlie Horse Laid An Egg show was hilariously strange, again leaving us wanting to see the full show.

Indigenous dance troupe DJUKI MALA, blended Singing In The Rain, indigenous rhythms and chants and electro beats in a joyous, uplifting experience. The group’s beaming smiles were completely infectious and undeniably soul enriching.

Western themed modern acrobatic circus ensemble RAILED leapt onstage straight from the taxi and impressed with feats of dexterity and strength which most us shouldn’t try at home lest we self harm. The impressively buff group nonchalantly balanced atop each other with style and good humour, climaxing in one chap literally balancing above him head-to-head. Wow.

There are hundreds of Fringe shows starting tomorrow and extending over the next month, and with something to rock everyone, many free events (especially for kids) and a party atmosphere throughout the CBD and suburbs, there’s no excuse not to be a part of this superb and fun cultural event.