Kym Mackenzie started performing in 1992, loves to entertain and doesn’t look like he will stop anytime soon! He’s a seasoned performer having performed pretty much everywhere, and I mean everywhere! Around South Australia, Queensland, Singapore, South Korea and Canada and while this is his second year as a solo artist at Adelaide Fringe he has performed with groups and ensembles at the Adelaide Festival, Restless Dance, No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability and the Kickstart Festival in Canada. So, with all this experience it was natural to bring back Kym’s Overall Extravaganza Showcase with a Volume 2.
Entering the stage to the fuzzy sounds of kazoos and a bright yellow vested outfit Kim beams “It’s good to be back!” I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Fringe show that includes kazoos. Such an understated instrument that adds an element of entertaining fun to any show and that’s what this hour of extravaganza was, fun! Its part storytelling, singing and skit comedy all with the objective to make the audience smile and laugh. He did just that along with almost as many costume changes as a Beyonce concert! His skit on Garbage Garry was a highlight in itself and I can see a show based purely on his adventures being a solid hour of fun!
Kym tells his personal story about having an intellectual disability and how it wasn’t going to let it be an obstacle in life. With everything that he has achieved and I’m sure he will continue to achieve through his determination and unwavering optimism. Telling his stories with light-hearted humour and cheeky comedic gestures he knows how to keep his audience captivated. They laughed, cheered and clapped along throughout the performance. Just the story of his reflux and surgery was enough to keep us laughing non-stop. Don’t worry it all turns out ok!
Singing along to songs like 4 Non-Blondes What’s Up, Katy Perry’s Roar and Pharrell’s Happy clearly highlights the theme of empowerment and happiness which is part of Kym’s personality. Even through the serious topics of the show like when he couldn’t perform due to COVID and the restrictions he knew when to bring it back to a lighter and more joyful tone. Amongst all the fun and frivolity there’s also a serious message for us all in this show. We need to “Slow down and take 3 deep breaths. We need to have patience and understanding.”
Kym’s Overall Extravaganza Show is about his personal stories done in an old school vaudeville style. Along with his music backup guitarist Patrick and a special appearance from Ukulele Dream Girl Phi Theodoros the show is a musical variety hour full of surprises.