Michael Wheatley – No Rest For The Wicked: Debauchery With A Touch of Class – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Cabinet Room (Upstairs) at La Boheme, Thu 1 Mar [CABARET – ACT/NSW/VIC] It could be 3am at some unidentified secret location that only the privileged know about and Michael Wheatley is camped comfortably on someone’s couch weaving wicked magic about addiction, smoking, drinking, love and loneliness. We’re all welcomed with friendly informal banter as we file in and this segues into a beautiful ballad that introduces Wheatley’s burlesque sidekick, Memphis Mae. Her entrance resplendent in tight gown and the most amazing boa headdress was majestic. Headdress, gown and gloves all come off slowly as Wheatley sings and teases with lyrics like “I don’t want to fall in love.” It’s a great first act. Sitting in the corner of the couch sipping whisky and adeptly knocking out tunes on a 2 octave keyboard Wheatley looks very much at home. He welcomes his special guest for the evening – one of Cold Chisel’s back-up vocalists here for the car race - and together they knock out an unrehearsed version of Cheap Wine. Eventually he gets up from the couch to ‘look for love’, and delivers a moving and authentic Lilac Wine (Jeff Buckley). He’s a fine singer. Stories about phone sex are brought to life with the sexy reappearance of Kelly Ann, before Wheatley reveals a raunchier side of himself with less clothes and some slick dance moves. A thoroughly entertaining show that lends debauchery a touch of class. 4 stars Michael Coghlan Michael Wheatley – No Rest For The Wicked continues at The Cabinet Room (Upstairs) at La Boheme from 10pm until Thu 15 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe Image courtesy of Jason Matz Photography