Briefs: Dirty Laundry – A Sparkling Show of Fun and Freedom

Dirty Laundry

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is a dazzling delight that bursts with energy and excitement. Set in a laundromat, this production challenges conventional notions of gender, sexuality, and performance art, all while delivering an evening of pure entertainment at Sydney Spiegeltent.

From the moment the show starts, the audience is thrust into a world where boundaries are meant to be broken. The cast of Briefs exudes confidence and charisma as they effortlessly blend elements of cabaret, circus, and burlesque into a seamless performance. Each act is a testament to their talent, with acrobatics, dance and comedy that leave the audience mesmerized and in stitches.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is led by the charismatic Fez Faanana, also known as Shivanana. Thomas Worrell, with his impossibly fast spinning aerial routine, and Serenity, portrayed by circus artist Dylan Rodriguez, were standout performers who left the audience in awe. Another standout performer was Dale Woodbridge-Brown, who, along with Mark “Captain Kidd” Winmill, gave us hilarious facials and group routines. Other ultra-talented performers who made up the cast were Rowan Thomas and Brett Rosengreen.

The Sydney Spiegeltent provided the perfect venue to complement each performance. The set design and wardrobe of some of the routines added to the laundromat setting. Some of the routines did not seem to fit into the setting. However, they were all still enjoyable to watch. The wardrobe, or lack thereof, was fun and left the audience wondering what outrageous costume change would come next. The playlist was filled with wonderful nods to pop culture, while lighting enhanced the audience’s experience as we knew who to focus on during the performances.

What sets Briefs: Dirty Laundry apart is its fearless exploration of gender identity and expression. The performers challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Through their captivating performances, they celebrate the beauty of diversity and the freedom to be true to oneself, regardless of societal norms.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is not just a performance but an experience. From the moment everyone entered the venue, they were transformed into the Brief’s world. A raffle ticket drawer gave the show a sense of interaction that you don’t normally see at many theatre shows. Audience members left their inhibitions at the door and laughed along in an inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re drawn to acrobatics or cheeky charm, this show promises a memorable experience. The last Sydney show is this Friday, March 15th, so make sure to get your tickets before the group disappears. My one piece of advice is to go in with an open mind and enjoy a night full of surprise and laughter.

This review also appears on It’s On The House, and check out more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre to see what else is on in your town.

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Roll up! Roll up! The Marvellous Elephant Man

Roll up! Roll up! For this is no ordinary show– The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical is a colourful feast of sound and flair under the Sydney Spiegeltent at the EQ Moore Park that will keep you entranced.

The talented trio of writers and composers of this musical took additional roles onstage to showcase their versatility. Musical Director Sarah Nandagopan performed on the piano, Marc Lucchesi and Jayan Nandagopan acted and brought their instruments into the story via their characters.

The Marvellous Elephant Man brings us the story of John Merrick, a man who, in real life in the late 1800s, was the main attraction being paraded at the then-popular ‘freakshows’ in London. The musical breathes life into John’s story, and actor Ben Clark’s portrayal captures our hearts from the moment we see and hear him sing, most notably with the song “I Am Not An Animal”. In stark contrast to John’s kind heart and good nature is the dastardly wicked villain Dr Frederick Treves, played by award-winning actor Kanen Breen. In one scene with these two characters, Dr. Treves’ dialogue was so masterfully well-written and delivered with such malice it was heartbreaking!

Lighting designer Matthew Marshall did an outstanding job adding to the emotive drama in this scene. I noticed how his subtle choice of colour, blue – really highlighted how John was feeling. In another scene, the storytelling involved the most creative use of lighting and illusion I have ever seen on stage! You’ll know this scene when you watch the show; it’s the one with the strobe lighting!

The musical is layered with so many different elements – it’s difficult to pigeonhole The Marvellous Elephant Man into just one genre. There’s plenty of drama, mystery, and a possible love story between John and Nurse Hope, played by Annelise Hall, who created a character so sweet and believable you’ll fall in love with her too! Her singing was mesmerising.

Another major element of this musical was the side-splitting comedy woven into each scene. Writer and composer Marc Lucchesi’s theatrical debut is a standout show stealer. By playing three vastly different strong characters, complete with accents, he had the audience roaring with laughter with each song! The supporting cast were simply brilliant with their dancing, comedic timing and flamboyant costumes.

Some musicals stick to one time era. The songs in this musical were so cleverly composed that the soundtrack took the audience on a rollercoaster ride of songs, sampling being reminiscent of a 1920s bar to being at a vaudeville show to classic rock to being in Italy, and everything in between!

The trombone ‘elephant man’ motif, played by composer Jayan Nandagopan, created its own little story as it began the show with a sad elephant defeated stomp when we were first introduced to John Merrick. As the ‘elephant man’ began to gain confidence, so too did the trombone, becoming brighter in sound and tempo – such a wonderful way to communicate the character’s growth.

The Producer and Co-Directors Chris Mitchell and Guy Masterson have put together an outstanding cast and created a visual masterpiece with a huge voice. With each performance I am sure it is going places, up and away. When this musical is shown on Broadway, in the West End, and closer to home in our larger theatres, I will be so glad I got to be a part of its humble beginnings, on a small round stage in a bigtop tent at the Entertainment Quarter.

The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical’s performance time is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including the interval time and proudly opened The Sydney Fringe Festival on September 1 2023.

Tickets are now on sale and showing at the Speigeltent Festival Garden – Sydney Spiegeltent The Entertainment Quarter from September 1 – October 1 2023

Evening performances 7.30pm Tuesday – Saturday; 7pm Sunday

Matinee performances 2pm Saturday; 1pm Sunday

Tickets: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/the-marvellous-elephant-man-the-musical/

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

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