Photo – Adrian Carmody
As often in life as in theatre, I never quite know what to expect. And as Melbourne sweltered through 37 degrees of oppressive heat, I was offered sweet relief in the form of Killjoy-Destroy the Fantasy. Made up of performers Cat Scobie, Amy Broomstick and Mahla Bird, and backed by a rocking live band of punk rock awesomeness, Jade Stevens, Rin McArdle and Zak Pidd, the addition of live music added to the experience of what can only be described as a rock concert/burlesque show/circus act/cabaret/comedy.
In all honesty, it is impossible to put Killjoy-Destroy the Fantasy into a box, and that’s exactly the point of the show. The performers break down the barriers of gender and sex and refuse to conform to anybody’s idea of what they “should” be.
Bird (as her name suggests) defies gravity, tangling herself in ribbons and falling from the sky only to catch herself at the final terrifying moment and then launch back into the top of the Melba Spiegeltent. Joined by Scobie in a feat of human strength, the two share the stage in a unifying acrobatic display.
However it is the quirky comedy of Killjoy that is most notable (and relatable), watching the three performers in a classic “walk of shame” after a big night out is as familiar as the crude and unwelcome catcalls that follow.
Broomstick is luminous on stage and shows her versatility; as a dancer, comedienne and singer, because wow. WHAT A VOICE. Harking back to the 1940s, Broomstick’s voice fills the vast space of the Spiegeltent with sultry perfection.
The audience was even treated to a surprise cameo from Melbourne Showgirl Frankie Valentine, who stripped to Beyoncé's “Six Inch Heels” in a stunning display of feminine prowess.
There is so many things to watch in this show, it is almost a variety act, as the performers, dance, sing, smoke, strip, make you laugh, trapeze and fire twirl (yes fire twirl!) through the performance that will leave you breathless, confused and confronted at times.
Killjoy-Destroy the Fantasy is as confronting, as it is beautiful, as hard to watch, as it is hilarious and ultimately, a joyful celebration of our differences. Killjoy-Destroy the Fantasy is the show I didn’t know I needed to see, until I saw it.
LaserBeanz Productions presents
Destroy the Fantasy
Director Maude Davey
Venue: Melba Spiegeltent | Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC
Dates: 24 – 31 January 2018
Tickets: $22 – $32
Bookings: 9296 6600 | midsumma.org.au
Part of the 2018 Midsumma Festival
