Prepare to embark on a unique theatrical journey through the corridors of diet culture, mental health, and the pursuit of success as acclaimed Sydney-based actor and TikTok sensation Charlotte Grimmer brings her smash-hit show ‘Initial Consult’ to the 2024 Adelaide Fringe.
Fresh from a triumphant run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a sold-out show for its Brisbane debut, ‘Initial Consult’ is a groundbreaking musical-comedy experience that ingeniously unfolds within a 50-minute court-mandated therapy session.
Audiences find themselves in the role of the therapist, tasked with unravelling the enigma behind a character navigating the intricacies of diet culture, ADHD, anxiety, and the relentless quest for achievement, with Grimmer’s performance brilliantly combining singing, tap dancing and rap to captivate audiences and invite them into a world that is both profoundly recognisable and intriguingly unfamiliar.
‘Initial Consult is a show worth watching, and it’s worth skipping other shows for’, says the Edinburgh Review. ‘Charlotte Grimmer plays a character that’s both alien to us and wholly relatable simultaneously, and then there’s music, comedy, shock and tap dancing—it is a show about dealing with, or failing to deal with, life’s problems.’
The genesis of ‘Initial Consult’ sprang from Grimmer’s profound observations on diet culture, showcased in her popular TikTok content, and her own personal lived experience with an eating disorder. Drawing from a repertoire of comedic songs crafted during life’s trials, combined with segments of stand-up and sketch comedy, Grimmer intricately weaves a narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
Charlotte Grimmer, a graduate of the prestigious NIDA Acting program, adeptly navigates the complexities of the stage, embodying a character that blurs the lines between relatability and intrigue. Her background as a High School Dance and Drama Teacher highlights her commitment to dismantling diet culture and advocating for body positivity.
Audiences and critics alike have hailed ‘Initial Consult’ as a transformative experience, with reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe and other reputable sources highlighting the show’s ability to straddle the delicate line between satire and introspection, prompting laughter while offering poignant insights into the importance of therapy and societal vernacular.
However, ‘Initial Consult’ comes with a trigger warning for mental health and eating disorders, emphasising the show’s commitment to addressing these sensitive subjects with care and understanding.
With notable appearances on ABC’s ‘Frayed’ and her role as Diana in the musical ‘Next to Normal’, Charlotte’s satirical TikToks tackling mental health and eating disorder recovery have amassed over 15 million likes, showcasing her dedication to shedding light on these crucial issues.
As she brings ‘Initial Consult’ to Adelaide Fringe, Grimmer continues to captivate audiences, infusing her performance with the comedic prowess of Catherine Tate and Kristen Wiig, coupled with the musical timing reminiscent of Rachel Bloom.
In essence, ‘Initial Consult’ transcends the boundaries of traditional comedy solo shows, leaving a lasting impression that lingers far beyond the curtain call, welcoming audiences to immerse themselves in this thought-provoking, laughter-inducing experience.
Book your tickets now to be a part of this unforgettable theatrical escapade, where you’ll experience a musical therapy session unlike any other.
What: Initial Consult.
Where: The Garage International @ Scots, 237 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000.
When: Friday 16th to Thursday 22nd February.
For more info and tickets, click here.