Twisted Tales offers a daring and delightfully subversive take on fairytales we thought we knew. This high-energy cabaret spectacle, part of Sydney Fringe and produced by Georgia van der Sman, shatters childhood illusions with a mix of acrobatics, burlesque, and biting humour that leaves the audience both breathless and questioning traditional thoughts about heroes and villains.
At the heart of this production is Marcus Maitland as the Magic Mirror, serving as both MC and narrative thread. Maitland's performance is a tour de force of wit and charm, delivering one-liners with narcissistic flair that keeps the laughs coming between acts. His presence ties together the disparate tales, guiding the storytelling through a funhouse reflection of familiar fables.
The show's strength lies in its ability to blend various performance styles, along with the flair of the performers themselves. From the aerial artistry of Isobel Moore as the Little Mermaid and Tinkerbell (swinging wildly through the venue, hanging by nothing more than a headful of hair) to the sultry burlesque of Lily Rose's Ursula, each act brings a unique perspective to the production. Jonathan Dutra's portrayal of Hades and Aladdin adds a further layer of LGBTQIA+ representation, who along with stage partner Gabriel Gutfilen Schlesinger, creates a queer perspective to this modern retelling.
Choreographer Georgia van der Sman, who also performs as the Queen of Hearts and the Evil Queen, has crafted routines that are both technically impressive and thematically rich. The ensemble numbers, particularly The Clean-Up set to Laura Hunter's Work Me Down, showcase the cast's versatility and the production's ability to blend humour with social commentary.
The music selection, ranging from Britney Spears' Circus to Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful, provides a contemporary soundtrack that underscores the show's themes of empowerment and self-discovery. The contrast of these pop hits against classical fairytale lore creates a delightful cognitive resonance that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Amongst the humour, perhaps the most striking aspect of Twisted Tales is its commitment to challenge preconceptions. By giving a new voice to traditionally vilified characters and exposing the flaws of beloved heroes, the show might invite us to consider the complexities of morality and the danger of simplistic narratives. The performance of I Am What I Am by the Magic Mirror serves as a powerful anthem of self-acceptance that resonates beyond the realm of fairytales in whatever context.
The technical aspects of the show are worth highlighting with Alex Mannering's rigging allowing for the breathtaking aerial performances in a tight space, while Paris Bell's lighting and sound design creates an atmosphere that enhances the magical realism of the production. Lily Rose and Marcus Maitland's costuming swings between nostalgia and subversion, doing justice to the show's ethos.
Twisted Tales is not for the faint of heart or those wedded to traditional narratives of beloved storytelling. It's a bold and sexy reimagining. While some may find the more provocative elements challenging, the show's heart lies in its celebration of diversity and its call for a more nuanced understanding of good and evil.
The show accomplishes what all great cabaret should: it entertains thoroughly while prompting reflection on our cultural narratives and personal biases. It's a greatest-hits of fairytales for adults that proves 'happily ever after' is more complicated, and infinitely more interesting, than we were led to believe.
25 - 29 September 2024
1 hour
Sydney Fringe Festival
Village Green Festival Garden - North Tent, Darling Harbour
Tickets and more info: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/twisted-tales/
Cast and Credits (Fringe Season):
MC/ The Magic Mirror: Marcus Maitland
Little Mermaid & Tinkerbell: Isobel Moore
Hades & Aladdin: Jonathan Dutra
Ursula & Snow White: Lily Rose
Queen of Hearts & Evil Queen: Georgia van der Sman
Hades Lover & Genie: Gabriel Gutfilen Schlesinger
Featured Dancer: Alana Teague
Dance Ensemble: Sarah Pearce, Milli Higgins
Producer: Georgia van der Sman
Assistant Producer: Lily Rose
Creative Director: Georgia van der Sman
Assistant Creative Director: Marcus Maitland
Choreography: Georgia van der Sman, Marcus Maitland
Costumes & Props: Lily Rose, Marcus Maitland
Rigger: Alex Mannering
Lighting & Sound: Paris Bell
Venue Manager: Lauren Flemming
(images: supplied)
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