OBSERVER: Fresh New Worries
If you are a fan of musical storytelling, then Gillian Cosgriff’s show Fresh New Worries is definitely a must-see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Using original stories, music, prop gags, Cosgriff (pictured) entertains seamlessly for the full 50 minutes, displaying a wealth of talent in both acting, story telling, writing , singing, piano playing plus, importantly for this festival, comic timing.
This show is polished yet contains improvisation. Cosgriff weaves the audience members’ contributions into her writing, not changing her words significantly but enough to make the suggestions provided by the audience before the show as well as at the time cleverly meaningful, an important part of the performance.
Cosgriff is charming in her interactions with the audience and able to laugh at her own downfalls.
The main theme as the title suggests is about worries – a solution – If something is not working, stop doing it.
Whilst the show is mostly funny there are serious moments, time for reflection creating a difference to the regular ‘stand up’ set.
Cosgriff uses props, music and sound well.
In particular in a scene in which she plays a hairdresser, with the sound of a hairdryer a significant part of the scene. Very funny.
Complete with a grand piano, singing fish, Pandora’s box of worries, Fresh New Worries is worth heading down to the dungeon for.
Performances: April 8 – 12 at 7.20pm, April 13 at 6.20pm, April 15 – 19 at 7.20pm, April 20 at 6.20pm.
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne – The Show Room, 100 St Kilda Rd., Melbourne
Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au
Review by Elizabeth Semmel