I’m From Up Over At Bakehouse Theatre – Adelaide Fringe Review

Bakehouse Theatre’s Main Stage, Mon Feb 23 I’m From Up Over was an audible recounting of some of Michelle Lunicke’s trip through part of Australia – from ‘Up over’ to Sydney and Brisbane then on to the Red Centre and back again. It seemed that she certainly had an adventure, but it almost felt like sometimes she was ‘having a go’ at us. It was hard to decide if she liked it ‘here’ better than ‘there’, but maybe that was her nerves talking? Having read the show’s blurb I thought I knew what we were getting into. However, after seeing the show, I’m a little confused as we didn’t get what the blurb offered. Honestly, I’m left with more questions than answers. The individual stories were enjoyable, but there was no real structure/cohesiveness between them, meaning we went from one story to another in leaps rather than fluidity. Perhaps, as Michelle really did ‘live’ these stories, they exist better in her memory rather than the retelling. I think I can see where she’s coming from – not literally of course – but the whole ‘fish out of water’ and ‘adventure in a whole other country’ etc. didn’t seem to be on the same page as the journals Michelle kept on her trip. I have a better understanding of where Michelle wanted to go with this show from taking a look at her website and blog after the show, but somehow seeing the show on its own just wouldn’t have gotten me there. Michelle has started with an idea that needs some assistance from a good director. I wouldn’t mind seeing how the show changes after it has been in front of a few audiences. All I can say is – Good on ya mate for giving it a red hot go. Charissa McCluskey-Garcia I’m from Up continues at Bakehouse Theatre’ Main Stage until Sat Feb 28. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.