She Shanties
By Alex and The Babes
The Howling Owl, The Monocle
7pm Friday 31st May
Last night at the Howling Owl, the She Shanties cabaret show took its audience for an improvised adventure on the high seas. The Howling Owl is a venue with an inviting charm and even better gin list. We got there early to sip on gins from their Gin Bible, and snack on a very generous grazing platter. As you walk into the Monocle, where the show is held, you are met with rows of candlelit tables surrounding an intimate stage bathed in a dappled blue glow. The space soon filled with a lively crowd, eager to participate in a uniquely immersive cabaret adventure.
Here, Alex and The Babes (Adelaide’s all female improv troupe who brought us ‘Haiku for YOU’) guide the audience on an improvised and musical voyage. Last night’s adventure featured a shady insurance broker, the power of a good beard, and nit inspections – all on the high seas!
While improv shows can be hit or miss, depending on personal taste, the She Shanties managed to cater to a broad audience with their well-timed humour, engaging storytelling, and catchy tunes. The playful jokes between characters that continued throughout the show showcased the cast’s quick wit and rapport. The teamwork shown was honestly incredible.
Despite initial doubts, this About Towner left with a renewed respect and awe (pun intended) for improv as an art form. Plus, the sea shanties were so catchy that I actually caught myself singing along – and enjoying it! Perhaps you will too?
The She Shanties’ final show for the Cabaret Fringe Festival is tonight, Saturday the 1st of June, at 7pm: https://cabaretfringefestival.com/artfuel/program/118/show/she-shanties
Or, if you can’t make it tonight, keep an eye out for future shows with Improv Adelaide: http://www.improvadelaide.com/
Reviewed by Grace Burke
