First up was Cinderella Sucks which I regret to say, I didn't really enjoy. There were some moments of sweet simplicity in this story told by a young mum and dad and four of their five young children, but there was also an earnest awkwardness and lack of subtlety that I found grating, such as repetitious dance routines which over-emphasised the tensions which arise between mothers and their teenage daughters.
On the plus side, a monologue by the dad in which he talked frankly and touchingly about his love for his wife was lovely; as was another scene in which one of the kids talked about ways of controlling your children (bribes seem particularly effective, it would appear).
Essentially a reflection on the family's own lives, the saving grace of Cinderella Sux for me was that it only ran for half an hour. Given that the family's fifth child was sitting in the audience and crying for most of the show (Because he wasn't in it? Because he hated being dragged along to see it night after night? I don't know) that was an especial relief.
In fairness, this is a very amateur production, and so perhaps I'm being a little harsh in judging it by the same standards I'd apply to a more professional company. I'm sure the family are striving for artistic excellence, which is something I applaud, together with their desire for creativity and self-expression. I just wish they'd had more access to dramaturgical support prior to opening...
Cinderella Sux: Two stars
Festival Hub until October 14
Next up was an unexpected delight in the claustrophobic confines upstairs at the Town Hall Hotel, the deliciously dark I've Written a Letter to Daddy (pictured right).Perhaps best described as Whatever Happened to Baby Jane meets The Sullivans, this marvellously macabre show about a wheelchair -bound woman and her seemingly hen-picked sister features superb singing, gender-blind casting, deft characterisations, an evocative live score, and a simple but striking set design.
As the 45-minute show unfolds, the audience - who are seated in close proximity to the performers, and offered lemonade and hor d'oeuvres by them - slowly realise just how deep the tensions run between them, and the reasons why. Deliciously dark, unsettling and enjoyable show - my clear highlight to date.
I've Written a Letter to Daddy: Four stars
Town Hall Hotel until Sunday October 7
Afterwards I retired to the festival club, drank wine, and laughed uproariously at character-based comedy until the wee hours. Monday started slowly as a consequence...
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this review are made in an individual capacity and do do not represent those of the Board of Melbourne Fringe. Just thought I should say that to be on the safe side, given that I'm the Chair and all...
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