Subtitled ‘A musical that proves beauty is only skin thick’ this wonderfully grotesque romp takes place in the suburban beauty salon that time and taste forgot. Lorraine (Andrea Powell) rules over her fading empire with an iron fist, but when celebrity hairdresser Pam Panache (played at different times by all the cast) attempts to buy the business out from under her, it takes all Lorraine’s cunning, and the dim-witted assistance of her bogan sidekick Jade (Geraldine Hickey) and best friend Val (Scott Brennan) to try and stop the developers.Double entendres, bad puns, appalling rhymes and gleeful exposition litter this deliberately trashy production, which is as subtle as a John Waters film, and just as entertaining. Hickey in particular impresses with her perfect timing and deadpan performance. Subtle and original this show isn’t (the trope of the stupidly clever sidekick has been done to death), but if you’ve got a hankering for camp and over the top comedy, Lorraine’s Hair & Face is for you. Just don’t try the complimentary coffee.
Three stars
Andrea Powell, Geraldine Hickey & Scott Brennan - Lorraine's Hair & Face Tue-Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm
Imperial Hotel, corner Spring & Bourke Streets
$18 - $24
This review originally appeared in The Age.
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