Comedy-cabaret geniuses Fringe Wives Club are back and louder than ever. With two new members, a live backing band, and boisterous, welcoming energy, the five-piece kick off the night with a blistering country-style medley of empowering dancefloor bangers.
The biggest change that the group have undertaken, besides the addition of sensational new members Sharnema Nougar and Laura Frew, seems to be in overall tone. What was once a beacon for others to gather beneath is now a full-blown explosion of completely understandable anger for the Wives and their audience. It’s as if they’ve spent the past few years opening the doors for those willing to step inside, and now the doors are closed, it’s time to get serious. Of course, while the quintet have never shied away from letting their feelings be known, Glittergrass takes it to a fantastic new level. As Tessa Waters takes an incredible jab at the internalised misogyny of the local clown scene, the band head out on an old-timey country jam, further highlighting just how uncomfortable (and necessary) this conversation is. With the night ending with a sombre take on Jenny Lewis’ Rise Up (With Fists!!), the group have totally mastered the dissonant tone of such a serious issue.
Anyone who thinks they don’t need to see this show is exactly the sort of person who does. It somehow straddles the line between sparkly silliness and serious subject matter with ease and hilarity, all the while offering a masterclass in modern feminism. From the rousing ode to “Lady Bushranger” Jessie Hickman, to the brilliantly self-deprecating Check Your Privilege, Fringe Wives Club are fully aware of just how deep the blood of the patriarchy runs through our veins – involuntarily. And yet, on top of all the phenomenal messages of positivity and heartfelt disillusion, it’s just a bloody fun show.
