5 stars
This show may cover the most unique subject material at FRINGE WORLD this year.
Comedy duo Erin Hutchinson and Tyler Jacob Jones are perfectly in sync in this glorious cabaret all about near-death experiences from around the world. These true stories form a love letter to misfortune, and make for some brilliant moments of musical theatre.
Image courtesy of fringeworld.com.au
In a combination of operettas, mini-musicals and parody songs, the pair seamlessly navigate through a variety of different eras, subjects and profiles of survivors in this super-slick hour of comedy, composition and brilliant vocals.
Some particularly hilarious sequences included Jones’ embodiment of a meteorite, a cringe-inducing sequence from Hutchinson involving an exploded toilet and each of the ‘musical snapshots’ that injected a vibrant energy into the evening.
The most memorable sequence, however, was the tale of an Alabama housewife who was hit by said meteorite—conveyed perfectly in a mini-musical about her story. Jones displayed brilliant characterisation throughout, but when it came to singing a trio as three of his characters combined, hilarity ensued and the audience were floored.
In true cabaret fashion, both Hutchinson and Jones were in fine voice. Both trained at WAAPA, the pair have excellent chemistry and manage to captivate the audience through their unnamed, upbeat personas that share these gruesome tales.
A tight-knit theatre company of three members right here in Perth, there is a clear reason why the wonderfully creative works of Holland St Productions prove a consistent Fringe favourite.
After a sell-out season at FRINGE WORLD last year, What Doesn’t Kill You [Blah Blah] Stronger is back with a vengeance. You’d better grab your ticket before they’re all gone.
Tickets available from the FRINGE WORLD website.
TATUM STAFFORD