3.5 stars
The classic Australian game show Blankety Blanks receives a deliciously naughty revival courtesy of fabulous drag queen Dolly Diamond.
For those born long after the show’s debut, Blankety Blanks is an Australian spin-off of the US game show Match Game. Throughout both shows, there is a panel of guests who answer questions and “fill in the blank” in hope of matching answers with one of the contestants.
Image courtesy of FRINGE WORLD
The results can be hysterical, unprecedented and shocking, making for a great night of entertainment.
Dolly Diamond is a brilliantly engaging host, enamouring audiences with her flirtatious flair and quick-witted quips. Opening with a participatory rendition of “Love Is In The Air”, Diamond warms to her audience with proficient ease, making for a smooth yet swift transition into the game show portion of the performance.
Dolly is undoubtedly the highlight of the show and is a pleasure to watch interact with the audience, the guests, and her emcee.
Each night’s panel features six celebrity guests. The celebrity aspect appears to be one of the main focuses of the show, putting comedy to one side in favour of stardom.
Comedy is not every celebrity’s strong suit, however, which puts the show at a slight disadvantage as a comedy cabaret. Regardless, for the most part the guests do an excellent job of keeping up the comedic pace.
Although the punchlines for each of the rounds are a little predictable and fall back on easy jokes revolving around sexual humour, no two shows will be alike. So, if you fancy yourself a bit of naughty humour with a host who grips you in all the right places, Dolly Di*mond’s Bl*nkety Bl*nks is the show for you.
Tickets available from the FRINGE WORLD website.
PERI WATSON