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Casey Filips: Virtuoso

Casey Filips: Virtuoso

Casey Filips: Virtuoso Rating

★★★★★

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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!).

 

Casey Filips: Virtuoso
Casey Filips: Virtuoso

 

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.

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Primal

Primal

Primal Rating

★★★★★

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas, Fringe World Festival! It’s a time where Northbridge is abuzz with chatter of people who have just been to see a show and may not be quite sure what they just witnessed but loved it anyway, and the excitement of those on the way to their very first Fringe experience. It’s a time that brings people of all ages into the city and there truly is something for everyone…you just have to know what to choose. And there comes the hardest part of Fringe; there are SO many shows to choose from, with many a talented artist or group having toiled away for months or years to bring it to life with all their blood, sweat and I’m sure a lot of tears, only to experience small audiences. Quality over quantity definitely counts in some cases, with an engaged crowd providing the energy the artists thrive off to deliver their very best work.

One show that is definitely not light on energy from either the artists or the crowd is Primal, described as a circus for grown-ups inspired by the raw energy of the animal kingdom and the complexities of human relationships. From the opening musical number we were hooked; this 65-minute thrill ride in the Heath Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre of WA, had me unsure of whether to be amazed or terrified with the strength and flexibility of this suite of performers. Clearly I’m getting old when I’m thinking ‘wow that is incredible, but how is she not hurting her neck?!’

 

Primal
Primal

 

From burlesque numbers, to amazing aerial acrobatics and sheer displays of female strength with the subversion of traditional gender roles, with some comic relief thrown in, Primal is exactly the sort of show that Fringe is all about. With a blank stage as their canvas, you weren’t distracted by fancy set pieces and became fully engaged, if not mesmerised by each act. The amount of trust the performers had in each other was clear as the tension in the theatre built of where they would take the show next. We had been instructed by the show’s fabulous emcee to hoot and holler as much as we wanted and the audience grasped that challenge with all their might. One stand out act in particular, early in the show had me waiting for the fire sprinklers in the theatre to go off, partly due to the heat between the performers.

I almost don’t know how to describe this show further without spoiling it, so you’re just going to have to trust me when I say this is one of the must-see shows of this year’s festival.

Primal runs daily from Wednesday 28th Jan to Sunday 1st Feb. While there is a matinee on the Saturday and Sunday for those who prefer to be ‘home by 9’; don’t let that fool you, this is an 18+ show.

With one week down and three more to go, there is plenty of time to experience the buzz of Fringe. Get out there and see as much as you can, big or small. Sure, ask your friends for recommendations but above all pick some random shows, because you never know what you may find…and that is the best part of Fringe.

To book tickets to Primal, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/primal-fw2026.

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Now You See Me Live

Now You See Me Live

Now You See Me Live Rating

★★★★★

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Magic and mystery has made its way to Perth’s Crown Theatre, with NOW YOU SEE ME LIVE presenting bold tricks and thrilling stunts to captivate audiences.

Based on the popular movie trilogy, following a band of cunning magicians known as the Horsemen, the story naturally lends itself to a life on the stage. With a fourth film confirmed to be in development, this live adaptation is a great way to tide over fans who are hungry for more.

Throughout the two hour performance we meet escapologist Andrew Basso, sleight-of-hand expert Matthew Pomeroy and grand illusionists Gabriella Lester and Pablo Canovas who take turns baffling audiences, leaving many questioning how their trickery was pulled off.

From card tricks to mind reading and teleportation, there was plenty of action for patrons throughout the night with ample opportunities for audience patience (their faces proving how mind boggling some of these tricks truly were).

 

Now You See Me Live
Now You See Me Live
Now You See Me Live

 

Without giving away too much, some personal highlights included a death defying Houdini style escape, and a very impressive maths equation to bring the night to a close – complete with a touching speech about time, and the way we choose to use it.

Outside of some master trickery, this show also had high production value, with immersive lighting and sound design audiences were truly immersed into the world of the show, helping provide the thriller-type feel from the films.

One piece of advice I’d offer to anyone attending the show is to look out for cards on the way in. There was a particular moment, using the entire audience and the ‘cards you received on the way in’ – unfortunately myself and those I was with didn’t get any (though we may have just missed them ourselves) so had to miss out but enjoyed watching those around us. Given the size of the audience and the grand scale of the trick, it was very impressive and therefore a little disappointing to not have been a part of it.

Admittedly there were a few things throughout the show that I’m still skeptical of, but it was clear from the audience’s overall reactions that many were baffled and left wanting more.

This show makes for a great night out for people of all ages, and is a fantastic nod to its roots – don’t wait to pick up tickets… blink and you’ll miss it 😉

To book tickets to Now You See Me Live, please visit https://www.crownperth.com.au/entertainment/crown-theatre/shows/now-you-see-me.

Photographer: Cameron Grant, Parenthesy

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Final Two

Final Two

Final Two Rating

★★★★★

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3

Small theatre is always such a joy. Seeing stories created with such a deep passion across all facets of production is so unique and a far more touching experience than say a large national tour. Final Two from Reprise Theatre is no exception to this.

Written by Arthur Brown, the play follows the journey of the last remaining contestants on a Bachelor-type reality TV show who, naturally, summon a ghost of a prior contestant the night before their season finale.

Stepping into the Hayman Theatre (shoutout to all the directions and signage on the way in!) was like reverting back to the 2000s – it was pink, sparkly, and Katy Perry was blaring. While a defining era of ‘when’ the play took place was never stated, I appreciated this nostalgic tone to the show and its consistency throughout.

The five-man cast all gave committed performances earning great reactions for the small but reception audience. Phoebe Eames is well-grounded as Chloe; the unlikely reality show contestant. She bounces well off Maia Whitelaw’s Shaz, the pretty-in-pink, ditsy blonde whose every life choice has led to being on the show. Together the pair are a great yin and yang, working well to propel the story.

 

Final Two
Final Two
Final Two

 

Marquis Tajaran was fierce as the hard-done-by Vanessa, dominating the stage with great flair and attitude. While I would’ve loved to see more of Jarrad Whitehurst’s Declan who offered who’s endearing performance (and life) was short-lived.

My personal stand out was Zachary Borthwick as Matt Maker, garnering plenty of laughs with his sass and verve. His portrayal felt quite candid comparatively to his castmates. If I was to offer any feedback, I’d be mindful of projection in such a small venue. It at times felt actors were equating emotion to volume which at times came across a little harsh.

The set was fairly simplistic with two differing room locales on opposite sides of the stage, and a turning truck inviting audiences to a third setting. Designed by Setare Mogharebin it was effective in placing scenes while still leaving the actors space to do the heavy lifting. I do however feel Chloe’s room (in part to the pink walls/bedding etc.) felt more reflective of Shaz’ character than her own, but that’s neither here nor there.

I enjoyed Adrijan Teddy Levis’ direction, particularly the use of the TV style projections/cutaways to showcase the characters’ inner monologues throughout. Pay attention to closing off the audience, as there were a few moments where actors were entirely cut off with their backs to us, losing some of the scene. His slew of masking tape props also did not go unnoticed, a small testament to the clear amount of time, preparation and love put into this production.

The 2025 Curtin Alumni have come together to present a loud, camp and fun production – with Final Two a celebratory display of the cohort’s hard work throughout their studies. Well done to all involved.

To book tickets to Final Two, please visit https://reprisetheatre.com/shows/final-two/.

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