Presented by Arts Project Australia with support from Culture Island
Reviewed 23 February 2016
Pat Kinevane proves himself to be a rare, almost supernatural, talent in his brilliant touring Fringe performance, Underneath (directed by Jim Culleton).
From beyond the grave (well, from within it) the shocking, heartbreaking and also darkly hilarious story of a young Irish girl (played by Pat himself) is told. Struck by lightning at a young age, she was horribly disfigured, now she recites her life’s woes from the cold slab. With skin turned black and leathery with rot and with only gold finery to accompany her, she whiles away the days remembering and warning others: “you don’t know what’s around the corner”.
Fittingly, in this show, you’re left guessing all the way. It’s so bizarre, twisting and suspenseful that you really don’t know what’s around the corner. One minute, Kinevane is using his most exaggerated Irish accent and natural charm to make the audience burst into laughter, the next he is turning everyone speechless with heartfelt screams and even hypnotic interpretive dance moves.
Underneath seems to be a very physically taxing show and a mentally taxing one as well. Kinevane does an amazing job at holding all the chaotic strings of the story together through his eerie movements, spot-on accents and powerful voice.
Of course, it wasn’t just Pat doing all the work. The fantastic sound and lighting team, Stage Managed by Steph Ryan, really make the show. Combine Pat’s often eccentric, often explosive performance with the top-notch stage tech, and you’ve got a world-class show.
Underneath is both a shimmering and dark show, full of carefully balanced contrast and almost unbearable tension. It’s obvious why all of our Edinburgh Fringe friends have been raving about it!
Reviewed by James Rudd
Twitter: @james_wrr
Rating (out of 5): 4
Venue: The GC – Showroom One, 223 Flinders St, Adelaide
Season: 23 February – 13 March 2016
Duration: 90 mins
Tickets: $24 – $35
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.thegermanclub.com.au/
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