By Nick Pilgrim
The legendary screen actress, Bette Davis, is quoted as saying that once somebody does you in drag, you know you have made it as a legitimate star.
Until the likes of RuPaul came along with his global reality series phenomenon, this cheeky subset of light entertainment was mostly restricted to LGBTQI+ friendly pubs, bars, and the occasional bingo night.
Drag, for anyone out of the loop, is men or women dressing up as the opposite sex in extreme stage make-up, outrageous sequined frocks or lumberjack gear, miming to the latest disco hit, and throwing in a dance move or bawdy joke along the way.
Breakout personalities from the local scene include Courtney Act and Trevor Ashley. Ashley has also been responsible for taking cult films like Black Swan (Fat Swan) or Moulin Rouge (Moulin Scrouge) and reconfiguring them as lavish theatrical experiences to diabolical comic effect.
The same could be said of the creative team behind Fountain Lakes In Lockdown. Using the hit ABC series, Kath & Kim, as direct inspiration, this ninety-minute presentation plays out like an extended two-part episode from the beloved Australian sitcom.
Four years ago, under the firm leadership of Dan Andrews, Victoria made headlines around the world for our severe isolation measures against beating COVID-19.
This polished staging’s simple yet clever premise details how Kath (Art Simone), Kim (Thomas Jaspers), Sharon (Leasa Mann), Kel and Brett (both played by Scott Brennan) handle the trials and tribulations of yet another extended lockdown.
Cranking up the camp to eleven, this veteran foursome doesn’t miss a beat. Drawing on their individual character’s tacky dress sense, trademark quirks and mannerisms, the loosey goosey plot features some killer banter and interactions between various cast members which left Friday night’s engaged audience in complete stitches.
Some of the delicious highlights included:
- Musical interludes reminiscent of the television show’s opening and closing credits.
- a misunderstanding about the contents of an adults-only gift basket.
- what happens next when Kath accidentally overdoses on John’s Wort.
- Sharon’s determination to keep her netball and Irish dancing dreams alive and intact.
- Brett’s alleged affair with Kim’s arch nemeses, Kylie and Danni Bolton.
- Kim’s aspirations to become a TikTok star.
- the concerning possibility of Kel being an anti-vaxxer.
Topping that off with several moments of impromptu audience participation, along with two surprise cameo appearances from the Kath & Kim collective, and you have an experience which has something for everyone. (It should be noted on the night I attended, the generous cast made time afterwards for photo opps and selfies as well.)
Written and directed by Jaspers, Fountain Lakes In Lockdown is a ‘noice’ and ‘unushual’ must-see. Both a glorious parody yet loving tribute to the Kath & Kim brand, this is a laugh out loud journey both for fans and friends of the series alike.
Following sold out seasons in Albury, Ballarat, Canberra, Geelong, the Gold Coast and Sydney, the play runs for the full duration of the Melbourne Fringe Festival until Sunday October 20,
Don’t miss out!
