Dazzling costumes? Limitless imagination? Stunning drag performances from some of the greatest rising stars on the Australian Fringe scene? Gendermess Productions has you covered! Messy Friends is an ensemble cabaret experience like no other, taking the concepts of drag and burlesque and revamping them into a new language of performance art.
Rather than playing host, creative architect Ginava instead introduces the performers through a series of montages and interviews with the cast on the adjacent screen. These documentary snippets offer us a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the triumphs and struggles creative minds go through as they bring their craft to life. By allowing the audience a level of intimacy normally not displayed beyond the backstage, it heightens the appreciation for the hard work and talent that each performer brings to their routine
Every “messy friend” has a captivating stage presence and the lip-synch and dance skills to match. Every solo is a chance to show off some of the most lithe and controlled body movements you’ll see in any drag show. Bobby Knox combines an incredible Bjork lip-synch with a beautiful contemporary dance. Alfie uses his ample dexterity and kinky persona in a darkly ambient routine that works the spotlight with laser-focused precision. Flynn V is a gloriously flamboyant and flirty character who delights in striptease and pyrotechnics. Mary Lamb O’God’s wonderfully cheeky and over-the-top 50s-style pinup sketch will have you in stitches. And the group dances are as unorthodox as they are wildly entertaining.
Geneva brings a new flavour of drag to the cabaret scene, one that emboldens the artists to express themselves beyond the paradigms of glitter and glam. Alien creatures clothed in bright vibrant colours and hyper-glam garments with glossy textures and extravagant materials adorn the ensemble performers, an extravagant parade of creative camp. There’s clearly been a lot of love and dedication to bringing these creations to life. The costuming is highly decorative and textured, bringing the characters to life rather than acting as mere embellishments. Geneva in turn creates a vehicle for self-expression by using these monsters as means to explore themes of internal conflict, self-actualisation and trauma. In particular, their solo featuring a giant purple garbage eater really tugged on the heartstrings. From poignant to triumphant, every act is a chance to push the versatile medium of cabaret in new and exciting directions
We’re all a little messy, and Messy Friends gives you permission to release your inhibitions and embrace your inner monster, warts and all. It’s not afraid to get personal or push the limits on what cabaret can be, and it’s a refreshing, unique experience with rich rewards. Truly one of a kind!
***** Five Stars