Effie The Virgin Bride (PCF)

Comedian Mary Coustas lets her alter ego, Greek-Australian goddess Effie take over the Regal Theatre with her one-woman show that says goodbye to single life (and the precious hymen). With flowers adorning the stage, Effie became a beautiful princess bride ready to marry her high school flame (and wealthy plastic surgeon) Shane Bradley Cooper.

There was no holding back on the Greek cultural references, including Effie's dilemma finding a good Greek husband versus a 'skip' (Australian), as well as the occasion when she tried to marry off audience members Gary and Paul. Coustas proceeded to slip out of Effie's costume to become Affie, her adorable daughter who knew one too many naughty words for her age. Coustas once again transformed herself, this time into Uncle Vasili, who at one point whipped his imaginary penis out as he explained his love for women; both characters filled the theatre with laughter.  

Towards the end of the night, standing in a silky nightgown without her famous Effie wig and wedding dress, Coustas wore her heart on her sleeve. She began to explain her personal battle with IVF, including over 20 attempts and a still birth, before she finally gave birth to her beautiful daughter Jamie. As we wiped our tears away, Effie reappeared before our eyes in a shimmering gold sequin outfit, dancing right off the stage and bringing her witty, fearless and funny show to an end with a standing ovation.