Presented by Irene Nicola
Reviewed 22 February 2018
Revenge sees the somewhat sweet, somewhat spicy New South Wales cabaret performer, Irene Nicola, take on the patriarchy, a*****e politicians, late-stage capitalism and in-equality in this in-your-face performance that has the entire audience cheering.
Irene is angry. She’s angry about society. She’s angry about the Government. She’s angry about the struggle to survive as an artist. She wants you to know just how angry she is, but, instead of merely telling you, she’s creatively turned her angry words into beautiful, angry lyrics that she sweetly sings while skilfully accompanying herself on the piano. As you can tell, Irene isn’t like anyone else, and that’s what makes this show special.
Revenge isn’t necessarily polished cabaret, but rather a more intimate conversation with the audience that encourages an interaction as part of her scandalous performance numbers and quirky, original songs. It is refreshingly obvious that our female lead doesn’t take herself too seriously, and rather goes with the flow on stage, focussing on connecting with the audience. She is also one of the most confident performers to ever (literally) bare it all and not appear to give two s***s.
Her cleverly written original songs vary in themes, covering the unfairness of millennials copping society’s wrath, the downsides of casual sex, the common desire for revenge on those who irritate or wrong us, and an ode to the fights between couples and the frustration, anger and abundance of swear words that result.
Her husband, who is also an actor, could very much have a show of his own as he enthralled the audience while hilariously reading a children’s story very much reserved for adult ears. His rich array of character voices range from a small, prim English girl to a large, threateningly deep-voiced wolf, and a Welsh rabbit with a disturbing foot-fetish. Next year, hopefully, he will develop his own Fringe performance, as he is a consummate comedian who reduced this audience to tears of laughter.
A naughty, full-frontal and fun night out; grab your friends (those who definitely aren’t afraid of a little nudity) and your cocktails as Irene and her husband give you a night of music, outrageous costumes (or lack thereof) and caustic comedic cabaret.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 5: 3.5
Venue: La Boheme, 36 Grote St, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Season: 22 Feb – 1 March
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $27 – $35
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/revenge-af2018
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