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How the hell is it Adelaide Fringe time already? It seemed like only yesterday we were paying entry into the Garden of Unearthly Delights, bouncing from East End venues to inevitably end up at Mary's, and sitting in chairs, awkwardly dancing with masks on, eyeing off the guy two seats across who just totally coughed without covering his mouth - ew.
ACTUALLY, Fringe 2022 feels like it was FOREVER ago! Last Fringe we were still wearing masks indoors! We were still obsessed with Euphoria! And I was still holding on hope to my 2022 situationship! (I dumped him again today - oh, Emma you dumbest of Blondes, when will you learn!).
Anyway, I'm totally fine. Fine because FRINGE IS HERE! Drinking overpriced alcohol out of coconuts while dancing IS BACK! Seeing a variety of world-class shows from across the globe IS HERE! Having an excuse to wear that bag with those shoes HAS RETURNED!
SO, for my 2023 top picks (aka, shows you absolutely have to see, and then tell me just how good you thought they were), are here for your fringe, type-A personality pleasure:
Everyone knows this show, it's the one in the really cool neon venue that no-one can pass without taking a cute pic their insta story.
Returning by popular demand, Japan's 'Maho Magic Bar' will transport you to a glittering Tokyo night! Be ready to disbelieve your eyes as the ultimate line-up of Japan’s superstar sleight-of-hand specialists descend on Adelaide for the first time.
With fresh tricksters, fresh tricks and even fresher cocktails, you’ll see these masters at work at point blank range, putting a wild contemporary spin on Japan's magic traditions.
Fuelled by a carefully curated bar menu of premium Japanese cocktails and spirits, Maho Magic Bar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you just have to do twice.
What's the secret to having it all? Don’t ask Lauren Edwards because she has no idea. What she does have, however, is a charming wit and cynical attitude.
Making her Adelaide Fringe debut, ‘Everything is a Lie’ is a wildly relatable hour of comedy and original pop music that will have you nodding your head so hard you might sprain a muscle. Lauren is the anti-capitalist girl next door who proves that, even in these uncertain times, existential dread can still be cute.
Teachers are overworked and underpaid, with a high burnout rate and a mandatory caffeine addiction. Marking, reports, parent-teacher interviews, Professional Development hours, performance standards and relief lessons in Year 9 PE... Why would anybody do it? For the love of learning? For the holidays? Or perhaps just for the comedy-cabaret fodder.
From the award-winning creative team behind 'Endo Days' (★★★★★ Glam Adelaide, ★★★★1/2 The Advertiser, Fringe Weekly Award: Best Cabaret), 'Extra Curricular' pops the cork on the teaching profession. A show by teachers, for teachers, or anyone who has ever sat in a classroom. Attendance will count towards compulsory PD hours*.
*may not actually count toward PD hours
With the likeability of Princess Diana, the heart's of Mother Theresa and the sweatshop chic of SHEIN; Australia’s Got Talent rejects Samantha LeClaire and Jennifer Laycock unstitch the flaws and the breaking of laws in the fashion industry. Come see the ones that got away; the white privileged, underdogs of Australian television who have resorted to sketch comedy. Attend a sermon on SUPRE’, witness outfit repeaters sentenced to death and see why life is better when you’re a trendsetter. Bring your fast fashion fiends because this is their one-way ticket to salvation. A Fashion 4 Passion like you've never seen before.
If you're a Bowie fan like me, Ashes to Ashes is for you (I saw them back in 2019, and it's still one of my favourite shows!). 2023 is a year to celebrate 2 seminal, yet distinctly different Bowie albums... the avant-garde 'Aladdin Sane' (50 years), and the commercially successful 'Let's Dance' (40 years).
Expect to hear choice cuts from both albums including 'The Jean Genie', 'Modern Love', 'China Girl' and of course 'Let's Dance'. But wait... there's more... much more! ...Space Oddity, Starman, Life on Mars, Ziggy Stardust, Sufragette City, Sorrow, Ashes To Ashes, Fashion, Fame, Golden Years, Rebel Rebel, Diamond Dogs... you'll hear them all!
A rare opportunity for Adelaidian's to see Ashes To Ashes before they hit the eastern states to cement their status as Australia's best and most authentic tribute to Bowie and his incredible and eclectic musical legacy!
Come along to a fabulous night to remember, presented by your hostess with the mostess Hungry Jackie, featuring some of the hottest Queens in Adelaide.
Ali Holic, Hollie Graffix, Wundes & Izzy Goode will treat you to a night of laughs and drag! If you have never been to a drag show, this is your chance to come and be entertained by our queens.
Jam-packed with dazzling feathers, wigs, headpieces, costumes and performances, you will not forget this glittering drag spectacular! Come to the Finsbury it’s out of the CBD so you will not have to pay for parking and walk a mile, drinks and supper will be available for purchase.
The outrageous new headline production by creative geniuses Strut & Fret, creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO.
Calling all social climbers, rich kids, gate crashers and hangers-on; the lavish stage is set for The Party of the century, so make sure you’re on the invite list. This evening is destined to be one for the history books.
The Party is a highly exclusive evening of the upmost sophistication with absolutely no rules. What could possibly go wrong? This show is the perfect fringe celebration. Unbelievably talented international circus artists, great music, extravagant costumes, and an escalating energy within a theatre set unlike anything you've ever seen before at Fringe
As they say – ‘if you've ever been to a wilder party - you're under arrest!
A mesmerising symphony of light and sound staged in a breathtaking mirror maze. Kaleidoscope is a simple optical device scaled to epic proportions allowing you to step inside a constantly shifting illusion.
It challenges preconceptions and provides the brave and adventurous with a new and different space to explore, contemplate and dream.
Kaleidescope is the new solo project by Keith Courtney, the mastermind behind House of Mirrors and 1000 Doors.
I'll continue to pad out this list as I come across more fabulous shows and events. Email me at theiconicblonde@hotmail.com if you'd like a show review.