Presented by Arts Projects Australia
Reviewed 14 February 2015
Last night in the Royal Croquet Club, mist rose off the trademark tubs of Soap as though to self-consciously apologise for the heat and humidity caused by the sold out crowd. Soap was the innovative show de jour of the Adelaide Fringe in 2012, and is attempting to recreate that success this year.
Soap features six bathtubs, six talented acrobats, an opera singer in resplendent gold swimsuit, and a comedienne. Sadly the comedienne, with overlarge pink rollers in her hair, served as the only new addition to the show. I had hoped to see a few new routines or varied soundtrack, but it remains the same as its 2012 incarnation.
Together the ensemble presented a series of raunchy bath time vignettes, all carefully designed to dazzle and astound. Our comedienne sprayed the audience with an over-large hose in order to fill her toy-sized bathtub. A trio of naked dancers performed a routine with three well-placed bath towels while accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. A juggler performed a surprisingly seductive striptease while keeping three balls in the air. A charismatic acrobat flew above the stage while being serenaded by the resident opera singer.
In the final two routines, the acrobats were drenched in water and artfully showered the first five rows as they acted. Ending on a comedic note, a stagehand passed mops to the troupe after they took their final bows.
If not innovative, Soap certainly stands the test of time with its unique blend of naughty but light-hearted humour and astounding acrobatics performed by beautiful artists. The show will hold more allure for those Fringe-goers who did not catch it in 2012.
Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Rating out of 5: 3
Venue: Royal Croquet Club – The Panama Club, Victoria Square, Adelaide
Season: 13 February – 15 March 2015
Duration: 70 minutes
Tickets: $31.00 – $44.00
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
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