A funny, fierce female not afraid to lay everything bare
Presented by: Vida Slayman
Reviewed: 4 March, 2024
Vida Slayman is a motherchucker who’s renowned for her words, both the humorous and blue variety. And to stress this point, her opening address was to ask audience members about their favourite swear words. And thus set the tone for the evening.
Growing up in a conservative Lebanese family in Adelaide, Vida faced many expectations and restrictions that her grown-up self no longer needs. And so in the spirit of letting go, Vida posed naked for her Fringe show poster. There’s a running plot line throughout the show on how Vida was talked into going nude, but not nude faced, and the merits of cellulite for a narrative arc. For those concerned about rocking up to see a nude comedian, don’t panic, the only naked thing on stage (other than her poster) is her laid bare look at unnecessary shackles.
Not only an examination and hilarious parody of her Lebanese/Australian heritage, Vida tackles topics as diverse as the merits of unflattering underwear, lessons in swearing from her grumpy father, the importance of premarital virginity (and what will happen to your privates should you breach this most sacred of rules) and the pitfalls of parenting in the age of Tic Tok.
Stories of late night yiros eateries in the Adelaide CBD that were actually secret spy agencies staffed by relatives of her parents, were superb. Similarly uplifting was the positive affirmation that one day you’re going to die. Doesn’t sound uplifting but, trust me, it works. And co-parenting teenagers with Tic Tok was an observation that many in the audience audibly related to.
Slayman kept the energy high and delivery smooth and upbeat throughout her almost hour long show. The tiny stage and packed-tight audience chairs added to the sense of intimacy as she tore down stereotypes about race, parenthood and being a female comedian in a male comedic world. This was a genuinely funny show delivered with confidence and aplomb. Some trimming and tightening in places would have taken this review from a four to five star review, however, the variety of topics and delivery were great and it’s well worth seeing.
In the spirit of supporting local talent, I talked the office into coming along with me and thus, for the first time, I am providing a group review:
“A rollicking jem of an evening – went too fast!”
“I could trump the 90s jokes with 1960s life!”
“Comparisons of peri-menopause with the prewash cycle were so relatable.”
“Co parenting with TikTok is hilariously true.”
“She bared herself for our delight.”
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Venue: Hell’s Kitchen at Rhino Room
Season: 4-10 March 2024
Duration:50 minutes
Tickets:$17-22
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/vida-slayman-is-a-motherchucker-af2024