It’s certainly an experience, you’re guaranteed surprises, and you’ll be glad you went
Presented by: David Salter
Reviewed: 25 May, 2024
Dame Granny Smith has made a triumphant return to the stage for the 2024 Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival. Accompanied by host and ventriloquist David Salter, Smith is enthralling audiences with tales of her performing and personal life, musical numbers, and her sharp wit.
As a multi-decade veteran of stage and screen, Smith has much to share of her time in the spotlight. Salter is the perfect host to facilitate this journey, and the two combine to create an entertaining evening of laughs, surprises, and heartfelt emotion.
With all that said, it’s fair to say that Salter is carrying most of the load during these performances. As an accomplished and skilled ventriloquist, Salter appears to effortlessly manage his role as host as well as performer. His talent for ventriloquism is next level, and one can only assume that he has spent many years practicing and perfecting his craft.
It’s not all songs and laughs though. Some heavy topics form part of the conversation, and although they are handled in an entertaining and amusing way, it still hits you in the feels. You’ll find your heart hurting for Salter and Smith, but appreciative of their sharing.
There’s more to say, much more, but spoilers here would detract from the show’s impact and humour. Just don’t go in with too many preconceived ideas of what you’re going to see. I don’t think anyone in the audience got what they were expecting. It’s a ride, and it’s strange in spots, but it’s certainly a show you’ll remember for many years to come.
With only two shows left in this year’s Cabaret Fringe Festival, get down to the East End and check out Smith and Salter at The Monocle at The Howling Owl. It’s certainly an experience, you’re guaranteed surprises, and you’ll be glad you went.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Venue: The Monocle (Ground Floor) @ The Howling Owl
Season: Till Saturday 1st June
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $15 – $28.50
Bookings: https://cabaretfringefestival.com/artfuel/purchase/tickets/182/sale
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