Fool’s Paradise: The Complexities Of Staying Sane In Modern Relationships ~ Adelaide Fringe 2023 Review

[Theatre & Physical Theatre/Comedy ~ WORLD PREMIERE ~ SA] The Yurt At Migration Museum, Sun 26 Feb, 2023. A surprising start involving all the audience sets up this one-woman show as an inclusive invitation to join Britt Plummer for her emotional roller-coaster ride. She attempts to navigate the rocky shoals of romance before, during and after the pandemic, which only adds more obstacles to the already risky journey. Two people trying to maintain a long-distance relationship are not so much ships passing in the night – since the distance between them is real, and travel is of course by plane these days - but they are star-crossed lovers. The backing songs add appropriate sentiments as Britt pours out her own raw story with heartfelt honesty. Her singing voice is only used for one song, and there is certainly scope to hear more of this. Already four shows in, there are still a few technical issues to iron out. In true clown style everyday objects are employed as puppets to play some of the steamy relationship scenes. Props are also ordinary household things, combining with Britt’s mime and dance skills to tell the tale in a sweet, touching manner. There are some hilarious interactions with audience members, all in good fun. The complications of marrying someone from overseas are extensive and expensive, presenting a formidable challenge for both parties, and placing a further strain on an already stretched bond between them. With the tension mounting, can it survive? And will we see the happy ending, the white wedding we’ve all been waiting for? The trips back and forth to meet each other and re-kindle some semblance of reality get longer apart, and doubts always niggle, until Britt is not bitter but bothered and bewildered. Are there simply too many banana skins to slip up upon on her way to the altar? Yes, there are plenty of songs and poems about being a fool for love. But if there’s one thing we learned from Muriel’s Wedding, it is that we should never underestimate the determination of the leading lady in a rom-com. Directed by Jess Clough-MacRae (Attenborough and His Animals and MANBO) Choreography by Paul Westbrook (Rouge) 3.5 stars David Cronin Fool's Paradise continues at The Yurt At Migration Museum, at various times, until Sun 19 Mar. Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.  #Clothesline_Mag #ADLFringe