There's a new pyramid in town and it has made itself a home along Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga for Adelaide Fringe shows to be hosted in the state-of-the-art venue.
Making its debut earlier in the week, The Pyramid at Fool's Paradise is an impressive installation that provides patrons and artists with a space to be spoiled for choice with the talent brimming within South Australia and beyond.
Housing up to 350 people in the high-rise venue and offering patrons a taster of the shows taking up residence here on Wednesday, we were lucky enough to experience the following shows;
Love Life Laundry
This is a cute little love story between two people, who show us through the art of acrobatics, comedy, drama, and theatre how to love each other, despite the quirks that make each relationship a topsy-turvy journey of self- and collective growth. The show beautifully represented mundane household tasks that are peppered with a tinge of silliness and talent to make you feel all the fuzzies around the (realistic) dynamics of a relationship. This looks like a show that will be brilliant for those looking for some mindless performing arts, whilst still appreciating the sheer strength of acrobatics, dance, and circus that make it an appealing collective genre of the performing arts.
Initial thoughts; ★★★★
Book your tix here.
Fafi D'Alour Uncut
This show returns to Adelaide Fringe season for another year of tantalising dance moves, provocative cabaret that dares to push you out of your comfort zone, and undoubtedly elevates your senses via the fiery femme-driven cast of performers. On the night, the performance certainly gave us an insight around what to expect from the show, where we saw hypnotising moves that were complemented by an electrifying playlist. There was a mini performance in between that did not seem to flow with the rest of the show and left us wondering whether there was a disconnect with the rest of the teaser. Regardless, this show aims to defy boundaries and will attract ticket holders for a number of reasons, so if you're after a show to tingle your goosebumps, give it a go.
Initial thoughts: ★★★1/2
Book your tix here
Wonderful - A Celebration of Stevie Wonder
Here for only six nights of the Adelaide Fringe season, this show pays homage to the musical legacy of Stevie Wonder. While the choice of songs on the night of this preview was adequate to incite a sense of nostalgia, the quality of the sound coupled with a few off-notes during chorus moments of the performance reduced the anticipation and excitement upon sitting through this performance. Here's hoping that it was part of the teething process around setting up a new venue and preview performance jitters!
Initial thoughts: ★★1/2
Book your tix here.
80's Ladies
Whether you grew up in the 80s or have good taste in music, this show led by Chloe Castledine will rejuvenate your love for all the classics and pop hits that make the 80s era truly one-of-a-kind. The show is fabulous to have a singalong with your friends, as you fall (back) in love with the singers from this time, whose voices have shaped generations following them. Once again, the poor sound quality within the venue affected the overall delivery of this show, but it surely did not dampen the electric energy emanating from all parts of the venue, with people joining in, clapping their hands, and celebrating the art of music.
Initial thoughts: ★★★1/2
Book your tix here.
Penny Arcade: The Art of Becoming Episode 3 - Superstar Uninterrupted
I personally found this snippet to be one of the most enjoyable and inspiring pieces all evening. Visiting Adelaide from New York after a long time away, Penny Arcade is back to share her life learnings, wisdom, and tips for leading a fulfilling life in this memoir-style experimental theatre piece, Penny hopes to use her unapologetic character and demeanour to draw audiences into her personal story, where most of the lines from the show can be quotable for generations to come. The show felt like a subtle anthem of sorts, around how your past defines your present in future the way you want it to.
Initial thoughts: ★★★★
Book your tix here.
enSOMNIA
This was a show that I was most looking forward to on the night, however, due to the intense heat, the initial plan of the show (which includes a floating bed apparatus) was unable to go ahead and a technical glitch resulted in the sensual vocals on stage from hitting its utmost potential. This is a show that has caught my attention regardless, as it touches on narcolepsy and tackles how to manage sleep dreams and nightmares via the art of cabaret and theatre. One to check out this season, for sure!
Initial thoughts: ★★★1/2
Book your tix here.
The venue itself is quite a grand set-up, with two bars, a few food joints, and plenty of free space to roam around and explore what is on offer. While waiting for a show in the Pyramid, you may get to experience some free acrobatic acts in the open space, while you sip on locally-produced wines or beers.
The Pyramid will be operating from Tuesday - Sunday throughout the Adelaide Fringe season from 9am onwards. The list of shows performing at this venue can be found here.
Date attended: 15/02/2023
Overall rating: ★★★1/2