Perth Voice Interactive

FRINGE FESTIVAL fever is set to rock Perth as performers and artists across Australia and the world pack their glittery shoes, outrageous wigs and head to town.

From high theatre and a cathedral candle light cabaret at St George’s Cathedral, to dark and brooding plays to outrageous vaudeville, song, dance and circus there’s something for everyone at shows with ridiculously low prices.

Russell Square will become the Pleasure Garden, with venues amongst the trees for a slew of fast paced non-stop action, while theatres and venues across Perth and Fremantle will host cutting edge, innovative theatre.

The Blue Room Theatre and PICA’s multi-award winning Summer Nights is back with a whopping 35 shows: “It’s bigger than Ben Hur,” media spinner Jenna Mathie says.

One of many, Squid Boy (Trygve Wakenshaw) is back at PICA after last year’s runaway hit show with Kraken, while Fake it Til You Make It looks at clinical depression and men.

And kids aren’t forgotten with New Zealand hot young talent Trick of Light Theatre presenting The Bookbinder, a mix of mystery, magic and mayhem.

In the Pleasure Garden, Penny Shaw frocks up for Opera Undressed with sublime arias and amusing stories, rubbing shoulders with edgy and over the top cabaret nearby.

Asking For It is a one-woman show by Adrienne Truscott, about rape. But this is fringe so don’t expect a too-dark exploration of the subject.

“Adrienne plans to make jokes about rape, all night long, even if you tell her to stop,” the blurb says. It’s on at The Stables, one of a swag of performances in and around the cultural centre in Northbridge.

Black Swan is showing Venus in Fur at the Studio Underground at the State Theatre a “psychological striptease” that promises a thrilling conclusion.

Or head to De Parel Spiegeltent at the Cultural Centre for something light with Fever, the Music of Peggy Lee.

With hundreds of shows to choose from there’s something for everyone. The Fringe Festival kicks off January 23 to February 22 and the full program is available at Perth Fringe Festival 2015.

by JENNY D’ANGER