Christie Whelan Browne in Pure Blonde is Pure Cabaret Comedy – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

ArtSpace, Thu 11 Jun Christie Whelan Browne begins the show by making her way through the audience, and arriving on stage as a breathless young performing arts graduate keen to make the most of her moment in the spotlight. What followed was a truly hilarious mix of the most utterly mismatched song snippets one could imagine, all performed with gusto by this talented singer, actress and cabaret favourite. Pure Blonde is a perfect vehicle for showcasing Christie’s beautiful voice, comedic timing skills and her talent for mimicry. Directed by Dan Bryant, the show has been written to explore the career experiences of a variety of musical theatre actors at varied stages in their career. Highlights were many, as Christie’s deftly moved from one character to another using both voice and body to delineate between them. Costume changes were absolutely unnecessary, so skilful is she at embodying the traits and nuances of over half a dozen delightful/despicable/deluded and sometimes downright sad musical theatre hopefuls and their agents. Sharing the stage with composer/arranger Matthew Frank, himself taking on a character or two, the monologues dominated this performance and this was not a bad thing however Christie’s wonderful voice had too few opportunities to really shine. Regardless, Pure Blonde is pure cabaret comedy. Rosie van Heerde Pure Blonde by Christie Whelan Browne continues at ArtSpace, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various time until Sat 13 Jun. Book at BASS on 131 241 or bass.net.au. Click HERE to book your tickets.