Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Page 45

Aussies at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012

By Lisa Clark

The Programme for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival is up and as usual I have been scouring it to find out how many Australians will be putting on shows there this year.
Not all shows make it into the programme and not all are obviously Australian, so if you know of any I’ve missed feel free to contact Squirrel Comedy and I’ll add it to the list.

Sometimes it’s hard to define who to consider as Australian. Watching Rolf Harris perform in his union jack waistcoat at the Queens birthday made me think; does he really still define himself as Australian? It’s been his bread and butter, but I don’t really think of him as an Australian performer, more of a beloved British institution with an Australian background. And so as I went through this list it made me think; is someone like Brendon Burns or Mark Little still counted as Australian? Both list themselves in the Fringe programme as coming from England and neither have performed regularly if at all in Australia for many years. Should I only be listing people who are living in Australia and going over there? So what of Sarah Bennetto, who I left off a previous year’s list but then added when she asked me to… And why not? She lives in London, but does make regular trips home to perform and still participates with the Australian comedy community via twitter etc. Then there is someone like Celia Pacquola who’s been back and forth for a couple of years but is surely still an Australian act.

As you can see there can be some grey areas, I’ve added Mark Little to the list mostly to let people here know. He hasn’t done a show anywhere in a long time and there’s been a bit of controversy about the Fringe censoring the name of his show The Bullshit Artist in the Programme. Mark got pretty angry about it and I must agree with him. They’ve done it to several shows including Jon Bennett’s show Pretending things are a Cock. Though how C*ck is deemed more acceptable than Cock or the phallic picture on his poster is beyond me!

There are also acts below that I’ve never heard of, though I did try to check out their websites etc. I must say, I am amazed that some performers don’t have much current information on their websites, if they have websites at all! I can’t recommend this to performers highly enough. If you don’t have any personal web presence, get a friend to make a website for your show with some background info about you and your show if at all possible, even if it’s just one page. Let this be a reminder to everyone else to look through all the pages on your website and update it! Now!

Audiences, the media and comedy industry types have to choose what to go and see from hundreds of shows, your website might help them choose yours.

I’ve listed some shows from the Cabaret and Kids sections that have comedy connections and can recommend the cabaret show Briefs a group of hilarious drag/circus/cabaret performers from Queensland who wowed the HiFi Bar at The Festival Club. As the winners of RAW, Lessons with Luis have won the chance to perform in Edinburgh but are unable to take the whole family this year, so are planning to go in 2013.

I have also added reviews that we have done for shows where we have them. Some older reviews were originally published in our earlier incarnations The Groggy Squirrel, Australian Comedy Review and Chortle.au. At the bottom of the list I’ve added some non Australian shows that we reviewed this year at MICF.

As usual The Gilded Balloon Teviot http://www.gildedballoon.co.uk/ is the venue packed to the gills with Australian and New Zealand performers but there are Aussies at all the major venues including The Pleasance Courtyard http://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh, Underbelly https://www.underbelly.co.uk/ and beyond, including many great comedy acts performing with the Free Fringe. Venues are dotted all over Edinburgh with even some venues having various performance spaces in different parts of Edinburgh, such as Assembly http://www.assemblyfestival.com/ with thirteen theatres at six different addresses.

Coming up over the next month or so, performers will be doing fundraisers in Australia to help pay for their trip and we thoroughly recommend that you support them as this is a huge undertaking. Most of the performers giving it a go have brilliant shows that are worth sharing with the rest of the world. It can only help our own comedy community for performers to go over and sample what else is happening, make connections, bring back their experiences and realise how world class Australian performers really are.

Exciting news that I can announce is that three Squirrels will be off to Edinburgh this year and will be sending back reviews and news. The lucky three will be Ron Bingham, (our UK correspondent), Colin Flaherty and yours truly Lisa Clark.

So enjoy the list and I hope it proves useful.

AUSTRALIAN COMEDY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE 2012

Adam Hills – Mess Around – Assembly Hall
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/adam-hills-mess-around

Anne Edmonds – My Banjo’s Name is Steven – Underbelly Bristo Sqare
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/anne-edmonds-in-my-banjo-s-name-is-steven

Asher Treleaven – Troubadour– Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/asher-treleaven-troubadour
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1211

Axis of Awesome – Cry Yourself a River – Pleasance Courtyard
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/axis-of-awesome-cry-yourself-a-river

Barry Morgan’s World of Organs –Underbelly Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/barry-morgan-s-world-of-organs
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1628

Bec Hill Is more afraid of you than you are of her – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bec-hill-is-more-afraid-of-you-than-you-are-of-her

Bonnie Davies I’m high on life what are you on – C Ecca
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/i-m-high-on-life-what-are-you-on

Bob Downe – Smokin – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bob-downe-smokin

Bogan Bingo – Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bogan-bingo-free-festival

Bruce Griffiths – Because I felt Like it Free – Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/because-i-felt-like-it-free

Cameron The Comedian Davis– Human Conditioning – Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/human-condition-free

Celia Pacquola – Delayed – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/celia-pacquola-delayed
Squirrel review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1060

Claudia O’Doherty – The Telescope – Underbelly Cowgate
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/claudia-o-doherty-the-telescope

Confessions of a Grindr Addict – Assembly Hall
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/confessions-of-a-grindr-addict

Bootleg Comedy Perth, – Convicted – The Cabaret Voltaire
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/convicted

Dave Thornton – The Some of All the Parts – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dave-thornton-the-some-of-all-the-parts
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1170

Denise Scott – Regrets – Assembly Hall
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/denise-scott-regrets

Eric Hutton – Every other show in the Fringe Sucks free – Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/eric-hutton-every-other-show-in-the-fringe-sucks-free

Ethan Addie – Rookie Mistakes – The Street
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/rookie-mistakes

Faulty Towers Dining Experience – B’est Restaurant
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1633

Felicity Ward – The Hedgehog Dilemma – Underbelly,Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/felicity-ward-the-hedgehog-dilemma
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1237

Ged Cogley and Jamie McCarney – Upstaging: A modern guide to acting for gentlemen and gentleladies Free – Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/upstaging-a-modern-guide-to-acting-for-gentlemen-and-gentleladies-free

Gravity Boots – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/gravity-boots

Hannah Gadsby – Hannah Wants a Wife – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/hannah-gadsby-hannah-wants-a-wife
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1474
– Mary. Contrary. – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/hannah-gadsby-mary-contrary

Heath Franklin – Chopper in a Hard Bastards Guide to Life – Underbelly,Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/heath-franklin-s-chopper-in-a-hard-bastard-s-guide-to-life

Imaan Hadchiti – A Little Perspective with Imaam – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/little-perspective-with-imaan

Jackson Voorhaar – One True Loves Free – Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jackson-voorhaar-s-one-true-love-s-free

Jennifer Carnovale – Scraping the Barrel Free – Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jennifer-carnovale-scraping-the-barrel-free

Jimeoin – What?! – Venue 150 @ EICC
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jimeoin-what

John Conway and Michael Burke – New Conway Dimension – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/new-conway-dimension

John Robertson – The Old Whore – Assembly Hall
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/john-robertson-the-old-whore
– The Dark Room Free – Alternative Fringe @ The Hive
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/john-robertson-the-dark-room-free

Jon Bennett – Pretending Things Are A Cock – Pleasance Courtyard
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/pretending-things-are-a-c-ck
Squirrel Review https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1624

Karin Muiznieks – World War Wonderful – SpaceCabaret @ 54
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/world-war-wonderful
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1643

Keira Daley – Ladynerd -Assembly George Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/keira-daley-ladynerd

Lady Melville and Rosie Rebel – Dirty Thirty – Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dirty-thirties

Madeleine Culp – Fark – Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/fark

Marcus Ryan – Home and Away Free – Laughing Horse @ Espionage
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/marcus-ryan-home-and-away-free

Mark Little – THEbullshitARTIST -Assembly George Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/mark-little-thebullsh-tartist

Marie Connolly – Cucu-rucu-cu in the French Alps – Laughing Horse @ Espionage
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/cucu-rucu-cu-in-the-french-alps

Michael Workman – Mercy – Gilded Balloon at Third Door
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/michael-workman-mercy
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1413

Michael Workman & Tommy Little – Splitting the Bill – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/splitting-the-bill-michael-workman-tommy-little

Morven Smith – One in a Million Free – Laughing Horse @ City Cafe
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/one-in-a-million-free

Nellie White – The One Handed Show; An Introduction To Pornography Free – Cabaret Voltaire
Nellie missed out on the official programme but is in the programme of the PBH Free Fringe:
http://freefringeforum.org/event.php?event=4824

Nick Coyle – Me Pregnant! – Underbelly, Cowgate
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/me-pregnant
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1357

Nick Sun – Potty Time – Alternative Fringe @ The Hive
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/nick-sun-potty-time

Out Cast Theatre – Mr Braithwaite has a new boy – C Aquila
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/mr-braithwaite-has-a-new-boy

Paddy Magee – Do Not Trust The Animals, free – Laughing Horse @ Espionage
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/do-not-trust-the-animals-free

Ro Campbell – Midnight Meltdown – The Stand Comedy Club II
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/ro-campbell-midnight-meltdown

Ryan Withers – One Woman Showe Free – Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/ryan-withers-one-woman-showe-free

Sam Simmons – About The Weather – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sam-simmons-about-the-weather
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1225

Sammy J & Randy – The Inheritance – Underbelly,Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sammy-j-and-randy-the-inheritance
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1279

Sarah Bennetto – The Temps – Pleasance Courtyard
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/temps
– Storytellers Club – Pleasance Courtyard
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/storytellers-club

Sarah Jones – Does Not Play Well With Others – CAquila
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sarah-jones-does-not-play-well-with-others

Shane Dundas – Believe – Assembly Hall
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/believe-starring-shane-dundas-from-the-umbilical-brothers

Slow Clap [Vachel Spirason and Stephanie Brotchie] – Truth – Underbelly, Cowgate
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/truth
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1404

Tessa Waters and Kai Smythe – Sexytime – Underbelly, Cowgate
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sexytime
Squirrel review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1615

Tim Lee – Scientist Turned Comedian – Assembly Roxy
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/scientist-turned-comedian-tim-lee

Tom Flanagan – Kaput – Underbelly,Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/kaput

Xavier Toby – Binge Thinking – C nova
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/xavier-toby-binge-thinking

Yianni – Numb and Number Free – The Canons’ Gait
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/yianni-numb-and-number-free

CABARET

Briefs – Underbelly, Bristo Square
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/briefs

Crab House A Bloody Cabaret Free – Fingers Piano Bar
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/crab-house-a-bloody-cabaret

Funkier Than Alice – Love, Lust & Lager – SpaceCabaret @ 54
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/love-lust-and-lager

Lady Celeste – Exploring Down Under – The Street
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/lady-celeste-exploring-down-under

Lady Sings it Better – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/lady-sings-it-better

Sugar & Spice – All the men we’ve never slept with The Voodoo Rooms
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/all-the-men-we-ve-never-slept-with

Virginia Gay – Dirty Pretty Songs – The Famous Spiegeltent
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/virginia-gay-dirty-pretty-songs

KIDS

Bubblewrap & Boxes – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/bubblewrap-and-boxes

Frehd Astarr and Tim Eee – Ta Daaa!– Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/ta-daaa

Mark Trenwith – Mr. Snot Bottom’s Stinky Silly Show – Guilded Balloon Teviot
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/mr-snot-bottom-s-stinky-silly-show

INTERNATIONAL ACTS at the Edinburgh Fringe 2012 reviewed by Squirrel Comedy

Daniel Kitson – Where Once was Wonder
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/where-once-was-wonder-by-daniel-kitson
Squirrel Review– https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1021

DeAnne Smith Livin the Sweet Life
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/deanne-smith-livin-the-sweet-life
Squirrel Review- https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1148

Dr Brown – Befrdfgth
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/doctor-brown-befrdfgth
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1244–

Alex Horne – The Horne Section
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bbc-alex-horne-presents-the-horne-section
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1511

Simon Amstell – Numb
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/simon-amstell-numb
Squirrel Review – https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1360

World War Wonderful – Review from 10/4/2009

This was originally reviewed by The Groggy Squirrel at the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival, it is being re printed because it will be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe 2012

By Dan Nicholls

The central conceit behind World War Wonderful is that the punters take on the role of an audience of soldiers that are watching an old-fashioned ‘USO’ show, starring the three ‘Wonderful Sisters’, a trio of singers that seem reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. Indeed, the entire all-singing, all-dancing show takes place in a strange parallel universe where World War IV is underway, America occupies Australia, and an inebriated Winston Churchill is their President. There’s something of the Fates about the three sisters, they are almost elemental in the way that they seem to have been performing in every war that has taken place over the past century. But what happens to them when peace breaks out?

This is the question the show attempts to answer, and it does so via a combination of boogie-woogie musical numbers, projected ‘information films’ and dialogue sequences that flesh out the plot. From top to bottom this is a very slick show. The songs were written by Karin Muiznieks, who was one of the writers on last year’s phenomenal Give My Regards to Broady, and every single one is as catchy as all get-out. The information films documenting the history of the Wonderfuls are wonderfully produced to look like grainy WWII-era footage. The three performers (Erin Newington and Louise McCrae, alongside author Karin) don’t just sing and dance, they are incredibly funny as well.

From the very first song there is a rich vein of satire running through these numbers that are perversely feel-good about how great war can be, and it only grows richer and darker as the show progresses. However it’s the final solo number that elevates things to another level – it is as devastating as it is brilliant, and gives a completely unexpected emotional punch to the show that left the audience gasping audibly.

This isn’t just a musical with toe-tappingly good songs (although it certainly is that), it’s a fiercely intelligent, laugh-out-loud funny hour that deserves to be playing to sell-out audiences at the Regent. This show is highly recommended – miss it at your peril.

For Edinburgh Fringe 2012 details visit http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/world-war-wonderful

The Faulty Towers Experience – Review from 7/8/2008

This review is from the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe, it was originally published by The Groggy Squirrel on 7/8/2008. It is being performed again (as it has been most years) in 2012. The restaurant in 2012 is B’est Restaurant

By Ron Bingham

This was one of the most madcap and fun packed dining experiences I can recall. I laughed so hard my jaw is aching. The combination of a very nice three course lunch and very close-up floor show is one that I find hard to fault. Sure, the limitations of performing around the tables in a restaurant mean that at some points in the show, all the action may be happening at the other end of the room, but that does not diminish the fun. Of course the alternative is having them right in front of you, removing your cutlery or giving you someone else’s dishes. Having Basil stare at you for keeping your elbows on the table is a very scary experience, let me tell you.

The show starts before we enter the restaurant and the seating is part of our introduction to the afternoon (or night if you are in for dinner). Chaos and mayhem follow as everything disastrous you could imagine taking place will somehow occur, and a few things you certainly wouldn’t imagine will also jump out at you. To tell too much would be to give away some of the magic. Suffice to say, this was one of the most entertaining lunches I can recall and for fans of Fawlty Towers, it is a must see experience. I did see a couple of youngsters who looked bemused and can only assume their comedy education has been lacking.

The cast handled the whole affair with a timing and flair that can only come with extended planning, rehearsal and a lot of performances. These people are at the top of their game and this is one of the must-see shows at Edinburgh. The food is tasty as well.

Booking info for 2012 Edinburgh fringe can be found here http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience

Barry Morgan’s World of Organs – A Review from 26/9/2010

This is a review from Barry’s performance at The Melbourne Fringe Festival originally published by The Groggy Squirrel on 26/9/2010. We are re publishing it because Barry is taking his gorgeous organ to Edinburgh.

By Colin Flaherty

Barry Morgan (aka Stephen Teakle) came to national attention through his appearance on Spicks and Specks earlier this year and now Adelaide’s ultimate organ salesman has come to the Melbourne Fringe to demonstrate the features of his 1981 Hammond Aurora Classic. Decked out in a Safari Suit and plenty of bling, he treated us to many original and familiar tunes in this brilliantly cheesy show.

When Barry stated at the outset that this was a sales pitch I’m sure many in the audience got very nervous, however their fears were unnecessary. This character was an old school salesman who was a far cry from any high pressure shysters in modern sales. He had a gentle manner that put everyone at ease with audience interaction and participation that was very playful and harmless.

The show was littered with lots of innuendo that were variations on the same idea but Barry was such a delightful personality that the crowd tittered and giggled every time. He didn’t employ an overly camp persona, instead it was suitably understated with a veneer of innocence. In addition to the double entedres there were other sources of humour in this performance. Every gesture was exaggerated so even the smallest hand movement got a laugh. He was a whirlwind of flashing teeth and silly dance moves.

There were also laughs to be found in the music itself. This was not exactly musical comedy per se as his selection of songs were not parodies or genre altered hits which are the usual tools of trade. He instead relied on the humour of recognition as well as his animated performance. His organ was a comedic device in itself with the varied (and not so varied) sounds it created. His amazing talent at this highly complicated keyboard was a sight to behold and Barry’s extreme enthusiasm was so infectious that the audience were happy to bop and sing along throughout.

This is a wonderful show that is suitable for the entire family. This performance was far from cutting edge but it was a nicely nostalgic and fun show that had plenty of heart. Youngsters and the prudes could happily let the veiled vulgarity sail over their heads and still get plenty of laughs from the silliness. Be quick to book as this show has been so popular that an extra show has been added to cope with the demand.

Visit the Website for booking details. http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/barry-morgan-s-world-of-organs

Jon Bennett’s Pretending Things are a Cock – Review from 2/4/2010

This show was originally reviewed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival on 2/4/2010 on the Groggy Squirrel website, we are republishing it here because Jon is taking this show to Edinburgh Fringe 2012. We don’t know if the show will be exactly as this one was 2 years ago, but this review should give you an idea.

Review

By Colin Flaherty.

This could possibly be the most ambitious project of the festival. For the better part of the last couple of years, Jon Bennett has travelled the world, posing for photographs that utilised all manner of phallic objects. This has resulted in a website, a facebook page where fans submit their own ‘cocks’, an exhibition, a coffee table book (available for sale from Jon) and this art/standup hybrid. It has become a worldwide phenomenon!

The first ten or fifteen minutes was time for the punters to enter the gallery and peruse the art at their leisure. The works were exactly as you would expect; Jon with all manner of objects projecting from his groinal region and an intense expression on his face. Each photo was accompanied by a title describing the object being used, my personal favorite being ‘Paper, Scissors, Cock’. It was all rather puerile and silly but a cellist playing in the background gave the event a tongue in cheek classy tone. After being handed an instructional pamphlet we were encouraged to make use of the various objects provided to create our own ‘cocks’.

Jon conducted a gallery tour of sorts by pointing out various photos and giving us some background to their creation, reciting some hilarious travel tales. Despite not being prepared enough to point out where exactly they were located in the room, this presentation was delightful and enthralling.

Moving into the theatre area of the venue, the performance became a type of storytelling show with Jon seated in a small armchair on the stage. He used individual photos from the collection as a launching point for various tales. He didn’t go into technical details about the photos but more their importance to his life and experiences. In this instance, he told us a fair bit about his family and upbringing; pondering how he became obsessed with penises. There were also tales involving a couple of people he met and befriended on his travels. These tended to veer into drug stories but were very well told so as to appeal to all. Jon promised he would have different tales each time so multiple visits may be worthwhile.

On the surface this show appeared to be merely reliant on the most base of concepts, but Jon had successfully used this silly obsession as a basis for some much deeper comedy. His brilliant tales of relationships and male sexuality revealed plenty of warmth and insight into Jon as a person. This was a unique event that is worth checking out.

For booking details at Edinburgh Fringe http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/pretending-things-are-a-c-ck

Sexytime Fundraiser and Review from 22/2/2011

By Lisa Clark

The Following is a Review from last year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival originally published on Chortle.au. Sexytime was one of my favourite shows of the 2011 Fringe. It’s being re published because Tessa & Kai are taking this show to the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is a huge undertaking for artists and on Wednesday 13th of June at 8pm they will be performing the show at The Order of Melbourne as a fundraiser for the trip. If you missed the show at Fringe or at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, I can highly recommend you go see it and help them on their way

Details can be found Here

Sexytime – Review from 22/2/2011

Tessa Waters and Kai Smythe are very brave. Not only because they are performing a comedy show with barely any words, but because they begin it with barely anything on.

Where else to begin an exploration of sex, but with Genesis? In little more than flesh coloured underwear and leaves, they give us an amusing take on Adam & Eve. The leaves drop and reveal naughty bits drawn on with Texta. It’s a sort of extreme version of the nude suits that Judith Lucy, Denise Scott and Linda Gibson used to wear, and it can be a bit confronting in the front row.

Tessa and Kai obviously have a very close relationship off stage, for they often get quite intimate. Between sketches their on-stage interaction reminds me of Die Roten Punkte, with Tessa’s Germanic accent sealing this impression. Kai does not speak at all but still manages to create a fabulous sleazy yet somehow endearing persona. Their flirting with the audience has a consequence that surprises everyone when a girl’s dad kisses Kai on the cheek. He reacts perfectly by going all coy, yet strangely delighted.

The show itself is a neat 50 minutes of silent skits set to music, all about sex. They tend to involve a lot of mime and interpretive dance, so if these aren’t your thing, you might want to find some stand-up. Still if you stayed you might be pleasantly surprised, as was I. Tessa and Kai are simply hilarious at what they do. I particularly enjoyed the armed combat with cardboard ‘penis and boob’ shield vs cardboard ‘cross with Bible’ shield, played out to the overdramatic strains of O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. Appropriate music, with lyrics that are a celebration of sex, gambling and drinking written by some very naughty monks.

Their final and longest sketch presented all the awkward horrors and delights of a first date that lasts ’til morning. Stripped back down to their undies, the sweet ending mirrors the opening sketch but with an appropriately happier, healthier outcome. Not all the sketches are as brilliant, but their kooky characters are able to pull it all off – so to speak – and keep the audience in fits.

Tessa Waters and Kai Smythe are performing Sexytime at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012 at Underbelly Cowgate Check out the website for details