A Space Called Thelma – Rajopolis, Tue 27 Feb
Pauline Hanson may have drifted out of the news again lately,
but she is still rich fodder for humour. And in this case the perfect subject
for musical comedy. No wonder Flaming Howard Productions got the Sydney Fringe
critics’ nod for this show. It’s wonderful.
It must be said upfront that they should be playing at a
much larger venue because 1) they had
difficulty fitting themselves all on stage (the drummer was off stage and
unseen!!) 2) they deserve an audience of hundreds.
This is a full tilt musical. A five piece band, and five
singers/players. And they were all great – there is no suggestion of a weak
link anywhere. The songs were infectious and funny, the singing was marvellous;
staging and choreography spot on, and costumes all eye-catching and
appropriate.
And then of course there’s the story of the woman we all
love or hate. Tracking through Pauline’s political life from 1994 to the
present, we meet various characters who have assisted her rise and fall and
rise again along the way: co-founder of the One Nation party, David Oldridge;
when jilted he goes off bleating to a vindictive and narcissistic Tony Abbott,
who is made to look and sound even more ridiculous than he does in real life -
superbly played. Other famous redheads are featured – Todd McKenny in his role
as co-host of Dancing with the Stars, and ex-PM Julia Gillard gets a brief
cameo.
The various players who took turns being Pauline all did a
great job. As did the whole cast. Like I said, not a weak link anywhere. Writing,
direction, staging, singing, acting, and musical arrangements all come together
in the hands of very talented cast and deliver a show that is upbeat,
energetic, classy (in a fish and chip shop sort of way) and funny.
And just in case you thought it’s not right to elevate this
woman to national icon status in routines of harmless fun, we are sent home
with a serious reminder of how this all came about.
I can’t speak highly enough of this show. Level of
difficulty – 10. Do yourself a favour
and go and see these heroes in Pauline’s story. They deserve a crowd.
(This review also published in The Clothesline.)
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