Barefaced - 3

‘Barefaced Stories - 3’ is the brainchild of producers and co-creators Andrea Gibbs and Kerry O'Sullivan. The series of two-hour performances is showing at The Blue Room Theatre main theatre, 53 James Street, Northbridge every Thursday in February. The shows commence at 8.30pm. 24th February is the last show.

This third show starred:

It Might be a Tumour            written and performed by Kerry O'Sullivan, well-known WA stand-up comedienne.

 

         When you are short, plump and have a head of carrot coloured hair, fitting in at school can be very difficult. Kerry takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute feeling compassion for this misfit kid, and then laughing as she copes clumsily with the teacher from hell.

 

Having handled comedy perfectly for years, Kerry showed how well she could tackle sentiment. A good story with a few surprises.

 

My Muse                      written and performed by Kaitlyn Plyley whose wonderful poetry has taken her around Australia.

 

          When you are a teenager and your parents are so ‘uncool’, and the other kids at school think you are a freak, then you have to find a substitute. Kaitlyn and her friend found musician ‘Muse’ and became groupies overnight.

 

We have all been there, so Kaitlyn’s story instantly caught the audience, but the love of such a teenage fanatic is another level. Delivered with style and passion.

The Sucker                   written and performed by David Graves.

 

           David was asked to be in charge of a group of volunteers at an archaeological excavation. With years of experience under his belt – well he finished his degree two weeks earlier – he took on this band of unsanitary nutters.

 

One would think that an art gallery conservator / installer would be as dry as dust, but David, after a slightly nervous start, settled down and had the theatre laughing and cringing throughout his story. Well written and fun.

 

The Convenient Job            written and performed by Allan Girod. Award winner for his one-man show, which went on to tour Canada.

 

           Being a poverty stricken actor, with his wife overseas, and faced with still having to write and rehearse his imminent show, Allan had to find a ‘convenient job’. One which would pay well, but yet allow him personal time to concentrate on his first love – acting. He told us the horrors and complications of having two convenient jobs.

 

A very amusing story, told in Allan’s own wonderfully droll style.

Nosey                          written and performed by Janette McGinty, Perth's latest import from Glasgow.. 

 

           Do smells mean much to you? Do you savour every odour? Jeanette can orgasm just thinking about certain smells. Who thought that a bad tooth could be so much fun?

 

Janette’s vibrancy and enthusiasm cannot be described in words. With her unique delivery she had the audience crying with laughter as she described her ‘religious’ experience. Exceptionally funny.

A Natural Exorcism            written and performed by Jo Morris. Award winning actor, now tackling story telling.
           

            When your partner of five years dumps you in the most despicable way, what can you do? Leave the world as we know it! Go to South America to bond with nature and life’s simplicity. But will these extreme measures work for Jo?

 

A sad tale told with humour and degrees of melancholy, Jo held the audience fascinated. A touching story with an unusual punch line.

 
 

Responsible Bonnie            written and performed by Bonnie Davies. This delightful, copper haired co-founder of the Bootleg Comedy tells us of the more responsible era in her life.

 

             At the age of eight Bonnie took on the troubles of the world and decided to work tirelessly to eradicate them, but her Mad Scot housemate seems to be a natural disaster zone.

 

A fascinating tale of child hood and Bonnie’s escape to living alone in London. A funny recollection.

           

McBall                         written and performed by Lawrence Ashford, seen recently in Jessica Craig-Piper’s ‘Flirt Fiction’.

             To a teenager, what is more important, going to the sailing championships in Canberra or having a debauched night at the McBall? Can Lawrie decide which one, or will another make the decision?

 

A well written funny story with a few twists, delivered with style.

 

Some very funny stories, but I still think that Sarah Rueben’s sad story is still one of the best. There are plenty of opportunities for stand-up comedians, perhaps the organisers should try and get more straight, from-the-heart tales. Tearjerkers or yarns of excitement.

Audience can be totally satisfied with emotions other than humour. A better mix please.

Having said that, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Another good night at the Blue Room.