My favourite part of Fringe each year, is walking into a show blind. Purely based off reviews from friends, a cool poster, the fringe feed, anything – I love not at all knowing what to expect, and being totally surprised. Casey Filips: Virtuoso is the perfect example of this.
A one man play of sorts, we follow the eccentric Tobias Frazier-Finlay through the audition of a life-time. Now, I want you to picture every exuberant, quirky, dramatic character you know combined into one, and that’s the kind of guy we’ve got. Mr. G, Sharpay Evans, even a little Miranda Sings it’s all in there.
The black-box rehearsal room at the State Theatre centre sets the scene perfectly, with Tobias strutting in from the back of the room as if really entering an audition. As with any standard casting call, he opens with a bit about himself, and of course his headshots, giving us a quick taste of his skillset (of which there are many!).
We then jump into a scene read, where he of course displays his natural ability to take notes from the panel (or in this case audience!). Naturally, hysteria ensues. I was amazed by Filips’ ability to not only perfectly mimic audience members but seamlessly taking on their daring requests.
For his final display of talent, we are treated to a – rather interesting – self-devised piece inspired by the majestic life of a manatee that left audiences doubled over with laughter. A big shout out must of course go to the gentlemen called upon to form part of the demonstration, the true star of the show (much to Tobias’ dismay).
Audiences also enjoy brief glimpse into Tobias’ future and where his career lands, a perfect crescendo for a man whose clearly given his life to the arts, but I’ll keep the exact details a secret for audiences to enjoy.
If you ever remember being told by your drama teacher “you have to fully commit to the bit, doing it 50% makes you look more ridiculous” this performance is a fine example. Offering a barrel of laughs and complete and utter tom-foolery in the best way possible from begin to end, this is a fringe favourite certainly not to be missed. Perfectly titled, Filips’ in fact, a Virtuoso.
To book tickets to Casey Filips: Virtuoso, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/casey-filips-virtuoso-fw2026.
