Yana Alana Lives Life Bare “Between The Cracks” At The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden Of Unearthly Delights' Deluxe, Sun Feb 22. “There is a crack in everything – that’s how the light gets in”. Leonard Cohen’s Anthem (included in the show) seems to be some kind of inspiration for Yana Alana’s Between The Cracks. And what a show it is! A provocative, but entertaining romp through the hurts and insecurities which mould the flaky personality of a super-confident diva. If nudity, swearing, or adult themes offend, stay away or prepare to be very offended. Perhaps it’s the outrageous blue wig, or perhaps the withering humour, but I wouldn’t be the first to imagine this character on stage as some kind of new Dame Edna Everage. There is also a willingness, perhaps reminiscent of comics such as Ruby Wax, to leave no stone unturned, particularly when examining issues relating to mental health. And there is her literary side – I thought of Kathy Lette – as she reads from her self-help book Go Fuck Yourself. Then there’s the voice! Unlike Edna, this Yana can really sing. Liza Minelli springs to mind, but Liza at her most demented. Like Edna of old with her friend Madge, Yana has the perfect comic foil in her silently long-suffering accompanist played by Louise Goh. When she sacks Louise for repeatedly answering her phone mid song, Yana gets someone out of the audience to play for her while she tries to sing Burt Bacharach songs. Sadly the guy she has chosen can’t play a simple chord. Her attempts to improvise and soldier on are very funny. When she decides she needs to make up with Louise she tries to say sorry, but can’t. This becomes a song in which she lists other people who can’t say sorry. You know who’s on it! If you want an easy, pleasant night out with friends from work, avoid this show like the plague. If you’re ready to sift through the cracks in everything, you won’t find a better show than this. Adrian Miller Yana Alana – Between The Cracks continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights' Deluxe at 9.45pm until Sun Mar 1. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 261 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.