Kim Ritchie – Theatre Press

Revamped, revitalised and re-viewed

By Myron My

In Two Pound Parlour, Miss Friby (Elizabeth Dawson-Smith) returns from exile after performing “preposterous acts of showmanship”. In order to find the critic who made such comments, she gets her girls and boy together to create a spectacular show to coerce the reviewer to attend and then enact her revenge. Cue a big night of burlesque, dance, circus, vaudeville, comedy and songs!

It has been a year since I first saw Two Pound Parlour so I was keen to see how the show has evolved and developed over time, and for the most part, it has turned into something better. There are still a few skits that fall flat – the Vegas wedding (despite its changes) still doesn’t work and is more awkward than funny – but the energy and commitment the six performers put in is more than you could ask for.

The addition of Daniel Ham (Egson Ham) as the first ever male in Two Pound Parlour is an excellent choice. Apart from being able to perform the “male” roles, such as in “Not In A Gay Way”, the dynamic versatility he brings keeps things interesting. Also appearing for the first time as Unleashya Deville was Aleisha Manion, who along with Stephanie Marion Wood (Lady Stiff) stole many of the scenes they were in. Their role in “Heaven in a Box” was particularly hilarious and Wood’s vocal talents are more than impressive.

As an ensemble, the group works extremely well together and the pace and choreography are extremely tight. The showy tap dancing routine and the memorable stomping-dance number really highlight just how synchronised they are.

With some worn for only a few minutes, the vast array of costumes designed by Kim Ritchie and Sara Yael is testament to the amount of time and skill that has been spent on getting this show up again. The set design by Rob Smith needs to be mentioned for its creativity and really setting the scene for the audience. The music by band Rapskallion is of a high level and the song performed by Miss Friby and the two singers, Yael and Carmen O’Brien, is perfectly executed.

Two Pound Parlour is still a little rough around some of its sexy edges but overall, it is a highly welcome return for this group of talented performers and this returning critic will be interested to see where Miss Friby and her girls and boy go to next with this wild and crazy ride.

Venue: Revolt Productions, 12 Elizabeth Street Kensington
Season: Until 16 July | 7:30pm
Tickets: From $35.00
Bookings: http://revoltproductions.com

Staying at the shallow end

By Myron My

We all know Melbourne summers can be absolutely stinking hot. For many of us, we don’t have the luxury of a swimming pool in our backyard or the time to drive down to the beach.

The only option is to head to the nearest public pool, as so many people do. There is a myriad of different personalities melding there in a way that – according to writer of Water Torture, Lauren Smith – doesn’t happen anywhere else.

There are roughly a dozen characters in Water Torture, and on the day being depicted many of them are more or less forced to interact with each other, even if the encounters are not always reciprocated.

I feel the writing could be stronger on two key points: namely, character and story development, especially when dealing with multiculturalism or making any social commentary. Those promising moments are so fleeting that they had no significant effect on the audience. The swimming interludes, whilst definitely showing great creativity with the music and choreography, were too long and occurred too many times.

Having said that, the majority of the cast does a great job with their roles, primarily the two lifeguards, played by Stephanie Evison-Williams and Nicholas Cain. Their Baywatch-esque lifesaving scene wins the award for the best moment of the show.

Set designer Kim Ritchie has flawlessly recreated the environment of a public swimming pool. The audience sits in the middle of the space, looking up to the actors so it feels like you are truly in the swimming pool. The water action occurs at our level, strengthening the idea of how so many different types of people go to the public pools.

Having the audience sit on swivel chairs allows us to turn and see any of the characters at any time, even if they are not the current point of focus. The actors remain in character and interacting with each other the whole show and sometimes it’s more interesting to see what’s happening in the “background”.

Despite a few issues with the writing, Water Torture is an enjoyably entertaining hour to spend during the Melbourne Fringe Festival. It’s something so many of us can relate to from having experienced such characters as those portrayed here, by either seeing them, being with them or – god forbid – actually being them!

Venue: Revolt Productions, 12 Elizabeth Street Kensington

Season: Until 29September |Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5:00pm

Tickets: $22 Full | $18 Conc

Bookings: http://revoltproductions.com