During the Melbourne Fringe, you have the unique opportunity to see theatre get stripped back. Small groups or individuals are making and performing with limited budgets and resources, just talent and creativity. Roisin McAlinden’s Fairytale Endings perfectly embodies what Fringe stands for, one woman running everything from ticketing to performance, using nothing but her own words and what props she can carry in her pockets.
Fairytale Endings is a one woman, stand up comedy routine that is deeply thematic, feminist and therapeutic. Roisin explores modern day dating through a Disney fantasy lens, throwing a raunchy twist on the classic “Happily Ever After.”.
The scene for Fairytale Endings is perfectly set by entering through The Bard Apothecary, a small but vibrant bar in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. Journey through the bar, down some stairs and find yourself in a cozy basement theatre space complete with couches and candles, ready to start the show.
Roisin opens the show with a bright, infectious energy that she carries throughout the performance, laughing loudly at her own anecdotes and effectively creating an engaging environment where audience members could relax, react and respond. From playing Smash Or Pass with Disney Princes to discussing why Melbourne is the ethical nonmonogamy capital of the world (true fact), Roisin’s easy crowd work created the perfect atmosphere for a comedy stand up set.
The stand up set itself explored Roisin’s experience post covid, from leaving a long term relationship and exploring her sexuality to moving to Australia and starting to date again. Her fantasy theme carries strong through the set, her new partner is her Prince Charming, she kisses several frogs and a magic mirror allows her to talk to her past self. However, Roisin is quick to remind the audience that, despite the name of the show, this is not a story with a happy ending. Frogs are better discovered by throwing them against the wall and Prince Charming may just turn out to be an electrician (and wannabe DJ) from Heidelberg.
It’s not just raunchy jokes and fantasy metaphors. Entwined amongst the comedy are some insightful feminist metaphors and therapeutic moments that clearly resonated with the audience. From the pain of high heels to the emotional complexities of supporting a man(child), Roisin’s exploration of the “Princess experience” provides both the performer and the audience with a therapeutic experience that reimagines the idea of “Happily Ever After.”
To book tickets to Fairytale: Ending, please visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/roisin-mcalinden-fairytale-ending.
Photographer: Chris Hillary
