On the evening of Friday, 12 July 2024, The Glenelg Winter Arts Festival was humming with anticipation. The Kingfisher welcomed a full house, the audience eagerly awaiting the main event, The Tash York Fringe As F*** Variety Show.
The talented Tash York, known for previous success of The After Hours Cabaret Club and Love That For You!, leads a dynamic cast of Fringe performers for a side-splitting celebration of everything that makes the Fringe ‘fringe’. This outrageously entertaining variety show sees performers battling it out in a friendly, but fierce, competition to be crowned the, “fringiest performer to ever fringe.” All under the comedic and devious direction of Tash, her producer Matthew, and yes – the audience! Expect ingenious improvisation, audience participation, and a dazzling display of performance art spanning cabaret, drag, burlesque, circus, and comedy. The show really is like its own mini-fringe festival.
On Friday, the competition was fierce. Leather Lungs’ cabaret act had the audience in stitches one moment, and in awe the next, showcasing an incredible voice and magnetic stage presence; Kitty Obsidian’s deperformance was bold and powerful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience; and 6 Inch Minx, with her stunning costumes and saucy routines, added a dash of glamour to the evening.
Tash, the show’s charismatic host, has a remarkable ability to connect with the audience. For example, during Friday’s show, she spontaneously composed a song about an audience member named Annie who runs a Dog Rescue Charity. Tash’s talent for crafting witty and heartening lyrics, along with her breathtaking voice and commanding stage presence, deserve more than 5 stars. Each show promises a fresh experience with a different cast of performers accompanying Tash each time. And the best part? The audience gets to be a part of the creative chaos.
As the evening drew to a close, the crowd spilled out of The Kingfisher, their hearts and minds buzzing with the energy and spirit of the Fringe. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of Mad March in the cooler weather. As one performer humorously noted, it was a welcome change to be “not dripping in sweat in a tent”. The Glenelg Winter Arts Festival provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, complete with cosy fires, mulled cider and wine, and a selection of delicious food trucks. It was like stepping into a European market, but with our distinct Adelaide charm.
Tonight, at 7:30pm, is the final show of Fringe As F*** I highly recommend arriving early to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and explore all that the festival has to offer. This is an event not to be missed, a chance to experience the vibrant, pulsating heart of the Adelaide arts scene.
Tickets available here.
