Culture

Over the next 11 days the Dunedin Fringe Festival will change the way that you think about entertainment. The 2012 programme features over 50 events and more than 370 artists from places as exotic as the UK, and Canada. This week’s theatre page previews some of the best stuff on in the next few weeks.

Polson Higgs Comedy Club

March 22, 23 and 24, Ironic Café

Four stunning comedians will take centre stage at Ironic Café this week for season two of the Polson Higgs Comedy Club. Three are Auckland-based stars gracing our town. Some of you may remember Rhys Mathewson from O-Week when he hosted the Comedy Night, leaving us all laughing at his hilarious impressions and peculiar anecdotes.

He has also starred alongside our second comedian, Jeremy Elwood, who is an extremely well travelled comedian, head lining in comedy clubs in the UK, Canada and Singapore, to name a few. For those of us who are less travelled, you’ll recognise Elwood’s long locks and blonde beard from his quick-witted retorts on the hilarious 7 Days.

Local up-and-comer Abby Howells ticks all the boxes with her young, fresh take on serious topics such as “the Bible, sandwiches and racism.” After performing around Dunedin she gets her name out there again, and will leave you giggling at her quirky observations.

MC for the night is Auckland-based Nick Rado who has recently returned from an extensive tour of the UK and Europe and keeps audiences on their toes with interactive storytelling. The night will not disappoint; each show starts at 7:30pm costs $20 for a student.

Milly Wonka and the Burlesque Factory

March 22, 23 and 24, Sammy’s

Anywhere you look in Dunedin, you’ll be able to find something burlesque-related. In recent years it has really taken off, with classes and performances going off all round the city. So what makes this show so different and exciting?

Milly Wonka and the Burlesque Factory is brought to us by Ayla’s Angels Burlesque Circus, a Christchurch-based group who have taken the classic burlesque style and crafted it into a themed show based on the beloved children’s tale of a similarly-named experimental character. We can therefore assume we are in for a delicious treat as they promise to take us on an “eccentric, wonderful adventure into the surreal world of our Couture Candyland.”

For those of you who have never experienced a burlesque show before, be aware there are “adult themes and nudity” – goodness! But if you’re brave enough to take one for the team and watch some lovely young ladies and their talents then grab a student ticket for $15, shows starting at 8pm.

Sex*Death*Magic: Renaissance Poetry Unbound

March 20 and 21, Vertical Aerial Dance Studio

I think the title alone is intriguing enough to make you want to go and check it out, right? Brought to you by the Dunedin-based Medieval and Renaissance Society, it promises “adult themes, violence and nudity”, and all from a poetry reading? Definitely not the usual setup you expect from such an evening.

To top it all off, the performance is taking place in the Vertical Aerial Dance Studio on Moray Place – yes, pole dancing! The performers entwine their piece around the studio equipment; and although I doubt we’ll see that kind of show, I have been informed we may see some men-in-tights action.

On the more educated side of things the performance is in celebration of International Poetry Day with Spenser, Wyatt, Marlowe and Shakespeare heading the bill. Perhaps if you’re an English major who has had enough of stuffy libraries and can spare $10, stroll along and have an exciting night out, all in the name of “study”. Shows start at 8:30pm. Hooray!

Wom!n in my Life

March 22, 23 and 24, Allen Hall

Allen Hall’s second piece of verbatim/documentary theatre in a month shows us how its recent popularity has really taken off, especially here in Dunedin. Suzanne Ingelbrecht directs the piece, taking stories of women who have impacted on people’s lives, for better or worse, and explores them through film and her stage full of talented Dunedin-based performers.

This is definitely one to look out for, particularly to support local talent. Student tickets are $15 and shows begin at 8pm, with an extra performance at 5pm on March 24. Head along, and who knows, you might see someone you know, or even a story about a girl that seems all-too-familiar …

Catch All

March 20, Globe Theatre

Scarified Pigeon Dance Theatre is a Dunedin-based dance group, who are all trained in a variety of styles from Hip-Hop to Indian Classical. The piece explores both contemporary dance and physical theatre, pushing and blurring the lines in a playful way.

One thing that stands out is their concept of creating scenes through the use of recognised popular games; the highlight promises to be the main dance “House Rules”. The dance involves all performers who use Monopoly with live instructions and predetermined rules to create a funny and enjoyable scene to watch.

There is nothing better than audience interaction, and being able to have an influence, however small, creates a great bond between audience and performer. Catch All is on for one night only at The Globe Theatre; so make sure you make it along at 7pm and support this group of talented girls from our own town!

Mind Reader

21, 22, 23 and 24, Globe Theatre

Robert Haley heads into town hot off a sell-out season in Melbourne, ready to wow Dunedin audiences with his incredible mind-reading skills. Haley is a real-life mentalist, and learned some of skills from the work of Paul Ekman – the guy Lie To Me is based on.

Though we all watch those shows believing it can’t be real, Haley is the one to make you doubt it. He will take you on a journey, introducing you to the mentalism of the 1800s and all of the weird and wonderful things seen during those times. Gasp when Haley creates an invisible “energy” leg for an audience member to balance on and again when he links two people with an invisible cord, allowing them to share thoughts and feelings. See this gifted performer from 9pm, and be stunned by his ability to get inside your mind. Something to not be missed!