Barefaced - 4

‘Barefaced Stories - 4’ is the brainchild of producers and co-creators Andrea Gibbs and Kerry O'Sullivan. This collection of true-life stories was the last in the series. They were performed at The Blue Room Theatre main theatre, 53 James Street, Northbridge on Thursday 24^th February at 8.30 pm.

 

Sign your name across my heart            written and performed by Andrea Gibbs, well-known WA stand-up comedienne.

         When you see the man of your dreams every day but he is just beyond your reach, how do you get to know him and let him know that you are available?

Love really does hurt, and Andrea took us through her suffering. Funny story filled with poignant moments. I know this story is true as Andrea asked me to help her meet him.

 

Sibling rivalry             written and performed by Niamh Malone           

         If you have a younger brother or sister then you will know the jealousy and enmity that can exist. When your national sport is also involved, things can only get worse. However Niamh decided that it was time for reconciliation. 

Niamh told this quite horrendous story, almost with glee in her voice. The sufferings of her sister seemed interminable. Very funny.

Action Dad                  written and performed by Sam Longley, stand-up, comedian and TV star.

         Sam told us of a family day out, at an age when he still thought his father was the ultimate hero – and his Dad proved he was. 

This story of was told with love, pride and skill. Sam’s heart-warming style of delivery was wonderful.  

 

To suckle the teat of Popular Culture                        written and performed by Alex Turner.

        There are times in your life when you have to do something daft. Alex wanted to just get out of the house and go to the cinema – for a day! He sat through a diverse collection of feature movies, and learned a great deal about the other patrons’ behaviour. 

Not the slickest presentation, but told from the heart. Alex captured the audience and kept them laughing.

The Albany Woolly Bush            written and performed by Cyril Toman. 

        When it comes to dieting, do you just cut back on food or should you employ a more scientific approach? Who would think that a simple bit of gardening could be so frightening? 

Cyril’s revelation on weight loss technique and on trimming his bush was told with a good Irish brogue and a twinkle of the eye. Well done.

 

Naked boys singing on Jewish Christmas            written and performed by Nate Doherty.

        When you visit your Jewish American relatives at Christmas, will it be the reserved Jewish kosher household that one would expect? Will it be a Christian celebration or will that strange aunt have her own entertainment lined up? 

I have seen Nate in some very funny plays and pantomimes, but was blown away by his skilled delivery as he related the saga of his 2-hour intimate gathering. Well done. 

 

Heavy  written and performed by Jess Dowson. 

        When you are the fattest kid in the class, you can expect a small amount of leg pulling, but what kind of compassionate support did Jess get from her teacher? What could she do to cut down her weight?

Having been the fat kid of the class, my heart went out to Jess in a big way. Yes, been there, done that! I could see that all of these years later, that she was still upset. I had a tear or two in my eye too. Told beautifully with a touch of comedy to hide the pain. Loved this story.

The raw prawn                        written and performed by Cailtin Beresford-Ord.

          Away from home a last. The house in Shenton Park may be grotty, but at least one can feel free. That is if you haven’t got the landlord from hell. However there are things that one can do, revenge is sweet. 

Told with a cheeky, grin on her face; Caitlin really wallowed in her strange act of vengeance. A hilarious story. 

 

We were treated to an excellent cross-section of professional comedians and the simple person-off-the-street. All of the stories were interesting and the topics very varied. One of the best Barefaced nights. We all look forward to the next series around the suburbs during the year, and at the Blue Room this time next year.