The Queen of Adelaide Fringe is back at Gluttony in the BankSA Theatre. This, if I’m correct, is her nineth straight season and once again she has a brand-new show Chaos Cabaret. I mean who is really surprised? Tash’s life is full of chaotic fun adventures so having a show like this is perfect! Not only is there mayhem and chaos it’s the audience that gets to decide that chaos via a QR code so make sure you have your phone handy. It’s an improvised variety game show or a ‘Choose your own chaotic adventure’ in real time.
Strolling down the aisle belting out Pink’s Get the Party Started really did kick off the chaos. Song and improvisation are her talent as well as wine. Every show has to feature wine. This is time it was in the form of a goon bag. Let’s just say she has redefined what is a ‘goon bag’. If you want a swig then make sure you sit in an aisle seat for the full effect. Oh, and yes, she sculled a glass of wine because is it even a Tash York show if she doesn’t scull a glass of wine?
For opening night, the guests were Memphis Mae, Millicent Sarre from Bisexual Intellectuals and Ariel Drop bravely facing three rounds of unpredictable mayhem. We saw the guests dance, lip sync, strip and be wrapped around in plastic, balance on chairs, drink from stranger’s wine glasses and basically whatever the audience wanted, to push them out of their comfort zone. It was hilarious, non-stop unpredictable chaos!
As with all her shows most of it is improvised and that brings the exciting element of surprise. Throw her some words and she can make up a song and rap with ease. This was also expected for the guests which produced the winning performance by Millicent Sarre. A duet by Tash and Millicent gave us the most chaotic song of the night. A rap and rhyme in the tune of a Charlie XCX song. The words “Fish Bitch” are still ringing in my ears and will forever be etched in my memory.
It’s the best concept of a show I’ve seen at Fringe in a long time. I love that it was chaotic, I love that I, as an audience member, got to select how the chaos was produced and I love that Tash York constantly comes up with new and fresh ideas every Fringe. As it is described in the show bio ‘No rehearsals, completely unscripted, pure chaos!’
Someone during the show said “Fucking hectic!” Yeah, it was and everyone loved it!