The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Cupola, Tue 16 Feb
For someone claiming to over promise, Tessa Waters sure does deliver. Appearing on stage in control top tights, spanx and a pussycat covered tank top Tessa makes short work of winning over every member of the audience with a simple goal – “I don’t want to be correct, I want to be funny.”
Like the best friend in every ‘80s movie ever made, Tessa is full of positive reinforcement, an endearing frankness and questionable dance moves. Charming, yet crass, this is not a show that will appeal to everyone. There is no plot, no theme, no purpose, yet I challenge even the most cold-hearted bastard not to crack a smile when faced with a ridiculous “invisible hula hoop” routine.
A pretty average mime but an excellent comedian, Tessa combines superb physical comedy and instinctive timing to keep the audience giggling for far longer than is healthy.
While there are obviously some pre-planned ‘bits’, the show itself is about 70 per cent dance moves, seemingly ad-libbed and playing off audience reactions. Heckling and appreciative nods are all welcomed and encouraged. As a show that appears to be mostly made up on the spot, I do wonder if it would have worked as well with a less game audience.
Tessa’s success is in saying more with a couple of syllables and some expressive facial movements, than most people do with an entire monologue. Ending with an audience wide dance party, no one is immune to Tessa’s curious brand of ridiculous charm and I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. A dazzling mix of physical theatre, dance, stand-up comedy and improv, I have never been more entertained by a show about nothing.
This is the stupidest, most delightful performance you’ll see all year.
Nikki Mott
Tessa Waters Over Promises continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Cupola from 7.15pm until Sun 13 Mar.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
Image courtesy of Evan Munro Smith
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights - Cupola, Tue 16 Feb For someone claiming to over promise, Tessa Waters sure does deliver. Appearing on stage in control top tights, spanx and a pussycat covered tank top Tessa makes short work of winning over every member of the audience with a simple goal - “I don’t want to be correct, I want to be funny.” Like the best friend in every ‘80s movie ever made, Tessa is full of positive reinforcement, an endearing frankness and questionable dance moves. Charming, yet crass, this is not a show that will appeal to everyone. There is no plot, no theme, no purpose, yet I challenge even the most cold-hearted bastard not to crack a smile when faced with a ridiculous “invisible hula hoop” routine. A pretty average mime but an excellent comedian, Tessa combines superb physical comedy and instinctive timing to keep the audience giggling for far longer than is healthy. While there are obviously some pre-planned ‘bits’, the show itself is about 70 per cent dance moves, seemingly ad-libbed and playing off audience reactions. Heckling and appreciative nods are all welcomed and encouraged. As a show that appears to be mostly made up on the spot, I do wonder if it would have worked as well with a less game audience. Tessa’s success is in saying more with a couple of syllables and some expressive facial movements, than most people do with an entire monologue. Ending with an audience wide dance party, no one is immune to Tessa’s curious brand of ridiculous charm and I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. A dazzling mix of physical theatre, dance, stand-up comedy and improv, I have never been more entertained by a show about nothing. This is the stupidest, most delightful performance you’ll see all year. Nikki Mott Tessa Waters Over Promises continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Cupola from 7.15pm until Sun 13 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. Image courtesy of Evan Munro Smith
Tessa Waters Over Promises: A Dazzling Mix Of Physical Theatre, Dance And Stand-Up Comedy at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review
Tessa Waters Over Promises: A Dazzling Mix Of Physical Theatre, Dance And Stand-Up Comedy at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review
2016-02-17
Adelaide Fringe Contributor
Nikki Mott
90
The stupidest, most delightful show you’ll see all year
User Rating: 0.57 ( 3 votes)
90
