Fake It ‘Til You Make It: Putting a Spotlight on Depression – Adelaide Fringe Review

Royal Croquet Club’s The Black Box, Sun Feb 15. Highly acclaimed and awarded performance artist, Bryony Kimmings teams up with her slightly awkward but very endearing real life partner, Tim Grayburn, in this sweet, dark and very important piece of work. The opening, with undies-clad performers singing and dancing with baskets over their heads, and largely unsynchronised movement, had me afraid I was doomed to sit through a piece of “performance art” that I would regret. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The playful sweetness and theatrical simplicity that pervaded this courageous work provided the backdrop for a depth of honesty and exposure of self that is much too rare in theatre. Bringing depression out of its pit of shame and into the spotlight is an admirable and inspired act. That the performers are sharing their own story makes it exemplary. With their mixture of movement, music, voice-over, terrific masks, even some shadow work, this duo told of their struggle with the darkness that is severe depression. At times very moving, this show is also funny, entertaining and very enjoyable. Bryony and Tim’s love was palpable on stage and their willingness to share their journey may well help others to open conversations, open doors and surely to open hearts. Accolades go to both of these people for bringing this raw, clever and memorable show to the world. It deserves longevity and success. Nikki Fort Fake It ‘Til You Make It by Bryony Kimmings and Tim Grayburn continues at Royal Croquet Club’s The Black Box until Sun Mar 15. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.