Top 10 Must See Fringe Shows
Here's my pick of shows to check out at this year's
Adelaide Fringe
COMEDY
Nath Valvo - Almost 30
This guy is hilarious. ★★★★★
Herald Sun, 2013Excruciatingly brilliant.
The Age, 2012Undoubtedly a comedian on the rise. Just brilliant.
Herald Sun, 2012
Nath Valvo - Almost 30
Caught
Nath Valvo's show last year - this young comedian is going places. He'll take you through everyday experiences talking about his life, friends, ex, room-mate, mother, and what he had to do to secure the 'right job'. He may even tell you about the time he met
Kylie Minogue and the tattoo he has to prove it. Has anybody tried to heal after a breakup listening to
Adele? You never know what this young gun will come up with this time round. He's even had to move to a bigger venue due to capacity max audiences last year.
When he's not performing solo full-length shows,
Nath is an announcer on
NOVA FM, has recently featured on
ABC's Dirty Laundry Live and can be seen on
The Project on Channel Ten.
Nath Valvo has a tattoo of Kylie's name that she signed on his arm
You should not miss this, absolute stand out. ★★★★★
Adelaide Advertiser
Memorably, blisteringly funny and poignant.
The Australian
Justin Hamilton - Frankie Loves Johnny Forever 1994
Saw
Justin in 2010 and understand why he's the recipient of many awards - the
Melbourne Comedy Festival Director's Award, the Adelaide Advertiser's Best Comedy Fringe Show Award and The Melbourne Comedy Comedian's Choice Award. Not bad hey? Justin last performed at the
Adelaide Fringe in 2010.
The show centres around his life's adventures, from a declaration etched in concrete out the front of his old home in
West Croydon, (Justin is a local boy!), a suicide bomber in Afghanistan while touring and performing for the troops, and a dinner party from hell. This is definitely a stand up comedy show that isn't just jokes, it tells a story and maybe we may learn something from it too. You should not miss this.
CABARET/THEATRE
Hans Like A German
We may never see a shinier, slicker, sequinier show than this –
The Advertiser
Hans' popularity is skyrocketing and this latest instalment into his colourful career will only add to his credibility as a truly talented, national artist –
Kryztoff
The boy wonder of Berlin is back and don't we just love him –
InDaily
Hans Like A German
delivers the most clever, funny, witty, one liners that'll send your endorphin levels into overdrive. He's a genius and I'm a massive fan. With more eyeliner than
Cleopatra, and more drama than an episode of the
Real Housewives, prepare yourself for an evening of hot pants, feathers, sequins and fishnets. Backed by his talented band and dancers, he delivers a unique brand of in your face cabaret.
Hans Like A German. Pictured with Pink, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins, Danii Minogue, Chris Lilley, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Kristin Chenoweth, Miranda Kerr - Yes he does get around!
He's interviewed models, celebrities, rock stars, and just recently invited to perform on
Studio 10 - even winning over
Ita Buttrose. Ladies - wear waterproof mascara. Guys - you'll thank me.
Blue Soul Red Heart featuring Lisa-Marie Ryan
A journey that will touch your heart
Blue Soul Red Heart Lisa-Marie Ryan
This young talented artist captured my attention with her show about the misconception that happy people can't 'catch' depression, how molehills can become mountains, and how the little things around us - puppies, laughter - can bring perspective and clarity back to your life.
What happens when love becomes anxiety and that anxiety doesn't go away? What happens when you can't tell anyone that although your life is great, you're falling into a tunnel with no light or exit?
She'll also explore what's it like to finally fall in love when you have grown up a nerd, as well as her greatest life experience.
MUSIC
The Foenander Brothers Live and Swinging
Australia's Got Talent Grand Finalists
The Foenander Brothers Adelaide Fringe. Photo: agt.ninemsn.com.au
grand finalists
The Foenander Brothers were a hit with host
Julia Morris (who often referred to them as her very own
'Foenander sandwich') and are performing with their 16 piece big band made up of SA's finest musicians. The popular crooners have been an in demand act since their appearance on the show, covering classics from
Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Nat King Cole as well as popular jazz standards.
Here's your chance to get up close and personal with the boys when they will take you back to when music and lyrics had real meaning. A night of style, sophistication and grace.
Respect - A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
SOLD OUT! 2013 Adelaide Fringe
Respect – A Tribute To Aretha Franklin
This show left audiences wanting more and a standing ovation last year, so it's best you get your tickets quick. Featuring the extraordinary power house vocals of
Jacqui Yeo and her
Rock Steady Band, made up of Adelaide's finest musicians, backing vocals and a kick ass horn section - you'll experience funk and groove at its best. She's even landed Adelaide's
Samantha Vanua on backing vocals - now that's a score!
It's also a great chance to check out
The Big Slapple in the middle of the revitalised Riverbank precinct.
MAGIC AND FUN FOR THE KIDS
Noises For Kids
SOLD OUT! 2013 Adelaide Fringe
Every student 100% engaged for 60 minutes!! Brilliant!! -
St Joseph's School
A fantastic mix of music and comedy that had the children enthralled -
Wanguri Primary School
Noises For Kids Adelaide Fringe
Saw these guys at the
Italian Carnevale a few years back - high quality entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Playing to rave reviews all around Australia, and selling out at the
2013 Adelaide Fringe, the interactive show will have kids singing, clapping, laughing, captivated, involved and amazed.
Noises For Kids have entertained kids all around Australia
Performing in schools, community festivals, and
Carols By Candlelight at Elder Park, Michael and Cate have delivered their hilarious one hour show to thousands of children all over Australia. It suits age groups 5 to 13.
Australia's favourite bear,
Humphrey Bear joins them as a special guest when they perform around SA schools. Go see what the 'buzz' is about - the kids will dig it.
Suck It Up!
★★★★There's a piece of magic in this show for everyone -
The Advertiser
Suck It Up!
has a heart of gold. His show is filled with illusions, animals, comedy, music, mentalism, fire, straws - and he donates some of the proceeds to charity.
The
Suck It Up! magic show found its beginnings in an experience
Mickster saw as a child, when a young woman went out of her way to help someone who'd fallen out of their wheelchair. The experience gave him a new aspiration in life - that he could bring happiness and laughter to the less fortunate through using magic.
Mickster the Trickster spends much of his spare time (even in his luch breaks) providing free entertainment to children's charities like
CanDo4Kids, Headspace and the
National Breast Cancer Foundation.
It's not just a magic show but a full on performance. Kids will love the magic.
THEATRE
B***h Boxer
★★★★★ One of the best shows I've ever seen –
Fringe Guru
★★★★ an involving drama from a young company to watch –
The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ high quality theatre that will have audiences both laughing and crying -
British Theatre Guide
B***h Boxer Holden Street Theatres
Twenty one year old
Chloe is from
Leytonstone, London. She likes the simple things in life: cherry sambuca, hairbrush-in-the-mirror karaoke with
Rihanna and winding her Dad up. Oh, and she's a boxer.
London 2012, women will step into the
Olympic boxing ring for the very first time. As Chloe trains for the fight of her life, she's left winded by two life-changing events. In a man's world, can she prove she's still worth the title?
I've already seen this show - it's a moving, touching and inspiring tale of life and the things that drive us to succeed. Tightly written and superbly acted this endearing monologue is right on the money! Authentic, raw and honest - I found myself laughing, crying, nodding in agreement and shaking my head at how disconnected we can be with the ones we love the most.
You don't have to be a fight fan to love this show. You don't even have to know or love theatre. Great work is simply great work. If you miss this give yourself a big ol' upper cut!
EVENTS
Holden Street Express
A Fringe experience with a difference!
I embrace the vibe and atmosphere at
The Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park, but I've discovered another 'hidden gem' just out of the city -
The Holden Street Theatres. This is gaining popularity for its easy car parking, high calibre shows on offer, and a trendy place to 'hang out' while taking in the 'fringe fever'.
Suzie Wong's Room. Photo: Adelaide Fringe
I make a night of it by first having a bite at
Suzie Wong's Room, where you'll get 10% off the bill if you're attending a show, and a free glass of wine when you arrive at the theatre! Awesome!
Fringe Experience with a difference - Holden Street Express
If you don't want to drink and drive, why not catch a free tram to
Susie Wong's Room, and get onboard the
Holden Street Express - a journey to the theatres with a difference. You never know what you'll see - maybe belly dancing, a bit of disco, spooky storytelling - but one thing for sure it's entertaining.
Why not take part in a variety of guided walking tours each night taking in the history of
Hindmarsh. Book your spot and get ready for the ride of your life.
Holden Street Theatres - The Backyard
The fun doesn't stop there. Stay back after the show and join in ta good old backyard bash. Music, open mic, retro games, open aired shenanigans - all in a delightful themed garden. It's a hip and happening place to hang, catch a show, relax and have a drink.
Happy fringing!
