A supremely fun and funny night of variety entertainment as Tash York pranks fellow artists
Presented by: Tash York
Reviewed: 13 July, 2024
New York, New York, what a wonderful clown!
With more ass than class, Tash York is the queen of the comedy cabaret and a staple of any sensible Fringe schedule. That may also be the only time you hear the work ‘sensible’ used in the same sentence as her name.
For the Glenelg Winter Festival, the new York show, Fringe as F**k, brings out her best and worst in the most wonderful way.
Part cabaret, part game show, York presents three different artists per night, putting them through unexpected challenges while the audience votes for the survivors of each round. The last one standing is crowned the Fringiest performer at this festival.
Whether it’s farting sound effects or changing their music part way through a song, York pranks each artist in ways they’re not expecting. Their challenge is that “the show must go on” no matter what comes their way.
Between the mayhem of each guest performance, York sings, skulls wine and engages with the audience in her own inimitable way, including making up songs on the spot about random onlookers.
The pace is fast, despite the changing of acts every few minutes. York is a master of ceremonies, keeping a tight control on her organised chaos. Her stage presence is as big as her wig, but she’s never overpowering. As with all of her shows, York creates a space that feels safe and welcoming, no matter what antics she gets up to. And she’s always generous to her fellow performers on stage.
Comedy burlesque artist Lady Cara Louise was the first to be eliminated on Saturday night but was masterful at keeping control of her act over two rounds, the latter where she stole the show by ignoring all instructions to set up a mock date with an audience member. Bravo!
In second place, cabaret singer Millicent Sarre stepped away from her own show in the Glenelg Winter Festival, Friendly Feminism, to prove she has the talent and versatility to make up lyrics on the spot and switch notes and tunes without warning. She was comedy gold.
And coming in first, circus queen and aerial artist Ariel Drop, flipped, flopped and flapped with interpretive dance and circus skills that led to the well-earned crown.
All three guests were immensely entertaining, but with her powerful voice, drag queen appropriation, and sharp wit, there is no one more Fringe as F**k than Tash York herself.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Venue: The Kingfisher, Glenelg Winter Festival, Colley Reserve
Season: Sunday 14 July at 7.30pm
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: Concession $32, Adult $35
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/tash-york-fringe-as-f-k-gwaf24
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