Love is definitely a work in progress - but fun!!
Reviewed at the Griffins Hotel on 15 February 2019
Presented by Tara Rankine
Tara Rankine’s first performance in this year’s Fringe was a roller coaster ride of emotions for the audience: tender, raunchy, uplifting, hilariously funny and moving – to mention just some of the emotions I experienced. Rankine is an Australian performer, based in London, where this show was crafted and premiered.
She combines her considerable acting, story telling and singing talents in a funny, yet poignant look at all the different kinds of love we might experience. With a very basic set and some clever costume changes, Rankine has the ability to transform from a woman relaxing in her chenille dressing gown to her secret, sexy alter ego Svetlana – who is wearing a dress that looks as if it was painted on!
Rankine’s stories are further enhanced by her lovely voice and original songs by Maddie Thiele which again run the gamut of emotions from laughter to tears. The very apt musical accompaniment, mainly on acoustic guitar, is woven into the program by Andi Cooper.
It’s refreshing to see a comedy show which has such depth, making us think as well as laugh and Rankine has a great sense of pace and timing. We’re asked to write down something we love about ourselves and she improvises her final song about loving ourselves – something women, in particular, are not good at.
Audience participation is part of the show, with several of us holding interesting objects for later use in the show. I started off holding an inflatable guitar! I especially enjoyed the tale of the embarrassing sexual encounter which started badly and proceeded to get even worse – but no spoilers, you’ll have to go see for yourselves and you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Venue: 1. The Sky Room at The Griffins Hotel, Cnr Grenfell & Pulteney St, Adelaide
Venue: 2. Loft at A Club Adelaide 109 – 111 Waymouth St, Adelaide
Season: Venue 1. 15-24 February 8.45pm (not Mon) Venue 2. 5-16 March (not Mon)
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $14.00 to $22.00 Concession: $18.00 to $20.00
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