Question: what would happen If Dr Frankenstein was given the bodies of Basil Fawlty, Rowan Atkinson and Spinal Tap? Answer: Paul Foot. ★★★★½
Pitched as a slice-of-life dark comedy, Undertow takes place in the living room of a couple whose marriage of 20 or so years is placed under tremendous strain. ★★★
From the pages of a giant pop-up book springs the tale of an only child, a hidden shoe and a series of mysterious disappearances. Will Izzy, chief of the Secret Adventure Squad, work out what’s going on inside the walls of her new home? ★★★★
Abandon all hope and surrender to the darkness as you enter The Otherworld, a twisted realm where fantasy and reality collide in a spectacular fusion of circus and live music. ★★★★
Burlesque celebrates the female body in all its curves, folds and glorious dimples. Singin’ in the Pain takes this concept a step further to celebrate the non-conforming female body in all its chaotic disability, its stifling illness and pain. ★★★★★
Interactivity is really the name of this game as four comedians vie to spontaneously produce the best lines for a participating audience. Make it rude and crude, too, and you have a recipe for non-PC fun. ★★★ ½
Stephen K Amos blends chuckle-filled stories of growing up in London as one of seven children with current affairs, politics and hilarious views on everything from Donald Trump to Hollywood’s attempt at creating a black superhero. ★★★★
This high-energy physical comedy show by theatre troupe The Latebloomers uses a wildly funny mix of mime, improvised scenes and occasional songs to take an offbeat look at the world’s view of Scotland. ★★★★★
With less than a week left to indulge in the Mad March festival smorgasbord, here are some Adelaide Festival highlights still to come – from gigs on the Palais to provocative theatre – and our picks from the Fringe music, comedy, theatre and circus line-up.
It’s said that a tattoo is only as good as the reason for having it – but why would anyone want to cover themselves head-to-toe in reptilian scales? Rainer Jozeps sat down for a chai with Lizardman to find out.
According to Danny Bhoy, we are suffering through the worst bunch of world leaders in history – an age of fools. The air in the Royalty Theatre is so thick with laughs by the end of his Fringe performance that he may have proven himself right. ★★★★★
The end of days are nigh. Let Reverend Billy and his choir bring out the spirit of the Earth in you: repent of your over-consuming habits, join his church and be hopeful! Earthalujah! ★★★★★
Fuego Carnal – Spanish for “fire of the flesh” – has become a regular at Adelaide Fringe and continues to up the ante with breathtaking high-energy stunts by world-class performers pushing the limits of their professions. ★★★★ ½
Playwright Henry Naylor says his new play Games, showing at this year’s Adelaide Fringe, is a timely reminder of how right-wing populism can go very wrong.
Having climbed out of some dark places, comedian Fiona O’Loughlin puts her failings on stage in the final run of her excellent Gap Year show. ★★★★
If you’re a staunch Liberal supporter, a Murdoch press journalist or a fan of Kylie Gilles, it might be best to skip this Fringe show by political analyst-comedian Friendlyjordies. Everyone else should hurry up and see it. ★★★★ ½
Adelaide Songs is a presentation by local musicians of their own compositions celebrating and reflecting on their home city and its history, with musical styles varying from blues to ballads, from comedy to biting satire. ★★★★
Nineteenth-century Gothic horror writer Edgar Allan Poe is resurrected, then returned to the grave, in this deviant and darkly mischievous multi-media post-punk cabaret, delivered in inimitable Tiger Lillies style. ★★★★ ½
Revolutionary slogans and gang-shouted chorus lines light up the screen but it is the true grit of Pussy Riot’s story that really lights the fires at this RCC Fringe performance. ★★★★
Adelaide Fringe has today released its 2019 program and it’s bigger than ever, with a large increase in circus and theatre shows and a host of quirky new venues – including a laundromat, caravan park and hot-air balloon.