Left - Billy O’Riordan. Cover - Brent ThorpeIf you thought Joan Collins’ career was in the doldrums then you are sorely mistaken because she’s back in fine form in the Mardi Gras Festival’s Betcha Thought I Was Dead.
Brent Thorpe channels the Dynasty diva into an energetic new incarnation in this demented cabaret tribute with the help of partner in crime Billy O’Riordan and an enthusiastic cast of mad misfits.
Set inside the Wagga Wagga Women’s Maximum Security Psychiatric Facility, Betcha Thought I Was Dead sees Joan Collins reborn as a psychologist who has the uncanny ability of being able to help the sociopathic and mentally deranged with her rather unusual “gift”. She can diagnose what ails her clients by examining the contents of their undies. Yep, this lady reads skid marks the same way that others read tea leaves! Revolting as that sounds, this makes for a set up that is lively, original and unashamedly hilarious.
In the tradition of transvestite costume classics like Rocky Horror this production features original songs and colourful characters that are larger than life and brilliantly bawdy. Through the course of the show we meet three delightfully lovable psychopaths who have all wound up in the Wagga Wagga facility because of the outrageous crimes they’ve committed.
Joylene Thornbird Hairmouth (Billy O’Riordan) is a down-and-out star of the ’70s who’s seen better days. In a witty and thoroughly engaging monologue she shares the highs (one-time confidante of Shirley Bassey) and the lows (an embarrassing airport cavity search) that paved the road to her arrival in Wagga Wagga. O’Riordan is immensely likable and thoroughly entertaining, and with the subtle lift of an eyebrow has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
Big Shirley the Dapto Psycho (Hugh Monroe, whose huge knockers provide for some lovely slapstick moments) spins us a sad yarn of childhood neglect that leads to a life as a reluctant porn star. Monroe’s beautifully timed deadpan performance suits the black comedy moments of this clever script right down to the ground and it’s clear that he’s an accomplished and well-seasoned performer.
Last, but certainly not least is the much-loved darling of the theatre set Robina Beard who plays Crazy Brenda the Turramurra Terror. Crazy Brenda’s tale of a North Shore housewife’s tawdry lust for an underage tradesman results in an unthinkably diabolical domestic drama, which she delivers with lip-smacking relish.
In a script that’s as wacky as it is sublime the performers are given excellent material to work with and they all ride it to the hilt! I particularly liked the nicely observed Aussie references to locale and domestic appliances; they make this piece a real little gem.
But be warned, those without a sense of the ridiculous may find this show which speeds well beyond the borders of good taste more than just a bit confronting. However, regular Mardi Gras Festival goers will take Betcha Thought I Was Dead for exactly what it is - a rip-roaring roller coaster of truly “out”-there entertainment.
BETCHA THOUGHT I WAS DEAD
by Brent Thorpe and Billy O'Riordan
Venue: The Factory Theatre – In The Fuse Box
Dates/Times: Tues 10th Feb to Sun 22nd Feb 2009 9pm nightly
8pm Sunday / extra early show 12th feb 7.30pm
Tickets: $25 / $20
Bookings: www.factorytheatre.com.au or [02] 9550 3666
