Listen Up! It’s time to push the term ‘Girl Power’ aside, because the punk ladies of GRIT are strong, fierce and eccentric, and they won’t be apologising to anyone for their actions. 

Taking place in the Ukiyo Tent at Gluttony, Grit is a show that’s brash, uncompromising and completely in-your-face. Consisting of six women, they all bring a unique set of skills to the performance. Jamie is the host of the evening. Unafraid to express her sexuality, she holds the audience in the palm of her hand before crushing them with her astounding singing voice. Holly brings the fire, figuratively and literally lighting up the stage, before taming the heat while expressing herself through dance. And then there’s Gina. This is a woman who commands the stage and intimidates any person who crosses her path. Comfortable in her own skin would be an understatement, as Gina exudes confidence and brings a sexiness to her performance that can’t be matched. Real, raw and emotional, Roxie is the secret weapon of the group who will touch your heart with her expressive dance routine, before melting it with an intense fire display. A new addition to the Grit crew, Skylar brings the sass. Slinky, sultry and seductive, her dance routine will leave you wanting more, while her burlesque moves will leave you picking up your jaw from the floor. Last but definitely not least is my unabashed favourite of the group Charli. There is no obstacle in the world that this woman can’t climb, balance on, jump through or conquer, as Charli demonstrated a fierceness and fearlessness that I’ve yet to see at the Adelaide Fringe. 

Although I watched the first incarnation of Grit last December in club 1910, this Fringe version brings something different to the stage. A little slowed down, with a lot more emotion, it’s more of a character study into how women are treated and how they won’t take be taking any more b.s. from the outside world. Getting down and dirty has never looked so good!

FOUR AND A HALF STARS ****1/2