Who would have thought a song about Melbourne train stations would be catchy and a highlight in this high energy cabaret show -Motion Sickness. Rachel Tunaley was a force of nature throughout this one woman show. I was truly impressed with Rachel’s stamina and infectious personality- Rachel was all go from the moment she rushed onto the stage with her travel pillow. Quite frankly, I am a little jealous of her exuberance but her vibrancy was the glue that held this show together.

We follow Rachel who is desperate to escape/run away from her small township of Wattle Glen and leave behind her 8 car crashes, firing and sleep apnea ( which caused her last car crash) With the hope a holiday to Europe will give her purpose, a new lease on life and help her discover who she is after her diagnosis. Mishaps and spew ups follow Rachel through out her holiday as she discerns maybe Wattle Glen ( home) isn’t so bad especially when you have people who love you back home.

Rachel showcased her versality as a singer throughout Motion Sickness. Whether it be the catchy song reciting the trains stops to Wattle  Glen to her rap about her car crashes- channeling her inner Charli XCX. Rachel showed off her powerful voice in the show’s few ballads- weaving wit and pop references with great storytelling into her songs. Some of the songs, I couldn’t help but move around in my seat. 

The use of visual cues on the tv screen helped enhance the story and gave Motion Sickness a touch of realism. Real photos of Rachel crying and wearing sleep equipment, showed Rachel’s vulnerable side which we didn’t get to see in the first half of the show. The visual cues were also used with clever effect to add extra hilarity to songs like Bangs in the Wind.

The closing song Motion Sickness was the deepest and most poignant of the show.  It was the culmination of Rachel’s journey and self-discovery of realizing she isn’t a ride off- even though parts of her feel broken.  It was inspiring and uplifting song, giving hope to people who have a medical condition and struggling with their condition and Mental Health.

You can tell how much passion and love Rachel has for her show Motion Sickness and the  joy she has for performing in front of an audience. Rachel really was the Energizer Bunny on stage- she gave everything of herself on that stage and the audience appreciated it- giving Rachel a big applause at the end. 

I give Motion Sickness 4 stars.