Image by Fringe Festival Perth
Reviewed by Emma Forsyth
Attending Fringe Freak Out Show is the drag world equivalent of ditching the average Prosecco for the Moët Champagne. You’ll never look at Drag Shows at The Court the same after viewing this performance!
Thank goodness Party Prince, Flynn V, went to every form of physiotherapy imaginable to be there with us tonight. We do not know what we would’ve done without him. His friends brought a chocolate box-like variety of performances – perfect for the first weekend of Fringe Festival!
While a show that goes for 3 hours may seem intimidating to the average audience member, it couldn’t have passed by quicker. In fact, when it finished, I was bewildered as I thought I had just arrived!
Set in the historic Rechabite Club, it was an unforgettable night of entertainment. Proving he was the party prince; the audience was already dancing around to the incredible mix of tunes provided by the DJ before the show had even officially begun. However, you immediately knew when the show started. Flynn V struts through the stage in his slick animal print jacket, performs a stellar lip sync battle and transforms into an engaging MC – having the audience hanging on his every word.
The first performance solidified the Burlesque nature of this show and that they were here to go big or go home. The following acts were equally strong in their performances. A beautiful mixture of dance and comedy had us laughing until our insides were sore and jumping up in the air for sheer joy. The end of the first act had me and my friend newly determined to stay for the whole show.
Pictured: Flynn V photographed by Perry Caswell
While there was a bar to quench our thirst, we found ourselves not needing to drink a drop, as we were already having the time of our lives.
The rest of the show passed in a halcyon daze of strip teases, burlesque performances, and dance routines. Not to mention the almost extinct well-timed COVID-19 jokes and biblical references (rumour has it the pope may have made an appearance.)
The performance was staged in the glitz and glamour of the old town accompanied by a medley of bangers. The highlights for me included a fashion show put on by selected audience members, an incredible circus act, and, of course, the prince himself breathing fire.
The costumes deserve a paragraph of their own. As is expected, Flynn V’s well-known androgynous style was present as always. However, the neon prints, sequins, tassels, and vibrant colours were remarkable! I won’t spoil it anymore but let’s just say that it’s a damn shame there isn’t a Flynn V fashion line as well!
All in all, Fringe Freak Out is a stellar performance and one you should all go and watch on Feb 12th as a perfect way to end Fringe Festival.
5 out of 5 party princes!