Matthew Mitcham. Image by John McRae.
Olympic gold medallist, community role model, record-breaking elite athlete and now a cabaret star-in-the-making, Matthew Mitcham’s presentation could be a dully hagiographical affair, but his wrackingly open honesty about the darker side of his life – and Spanky’s sensitive song selection – bring poignancy to an entertaining show.
Commencing with stories of his childhood, complete with voice-over contributions from his mother, even those without prior awareness of Mitcham’s diving career find it easy to become immersed in this young man’s fascinating life journey. From a dorky kid in Brisbane, hiding away to read encyclopaedias, through to his rise to the top of the world trampolining ranks, horsing around at a local pool and the nascent possibilities of Olympic competition, there are glimpses of unhappiness in his social isolation. Mitcham’s commitment to the discipline demanded by diving begins to falter. The demons in his mind find ways to sabotage his chances at happiness, and he finds drink, drugs and clubbing offer escape, a way to silence his own thoughts each weekend. His ups and downs are charted, punctuated by a trampolining demonstration and various song and dance routines. He is sometimes accompanied by Spanky, creator of the show, playing the alter ego of Mitcham’s lonely childhood and the voice of depression and self-resentment of his adolescent and adult years. Despite being streamlined for stage, moments such as meeting his boyfriend, Lachlan, are described in detail, bringing key events to life.
Twists and Turns is a consistent affair, with never a dull moment. The pace varies from the slow pathos of Mitcham’s rendition of Alanis Morissette’s ‘Perfect’ to the joyous duet of ‘The Only One’ with Spanky fluttering squares of toilet paper. Crazed moments of club style dancing contrast with the awesome sight of an athlete, looking amazing and confident in his budgie smugglers, crooning the ’Little Water Song‘. There are many light-hearted asides, perfectly timed to keep the mood from becoming maudlin, provoking general laughter. The fringe lust for audience participation is satisfied, with the lucky ones becoming fellow athletes and coaches when the numbers were needed.
Mitcham stumbles over a few words here and there in his monologues, but his otherwise clear delivery and humble manner enhances the intrinsic appeal of the well-scripted tale. As a musical performer, his enthusiasm for the ukulele is charming, but it is as a conduit for lyrical emotion and meaning that Mitcham is superb. He can do the eyes and teeth of the cheerful numbers, but his delivery of more lyrically significant pieces such as Andy Bull’s ‘Dog’ are incredibly powerful, as well as being carefully-placed in the show for maximum impact.
These are early days for Twists and Turns, and Mitcham has plenty on his plate with training to represent Australia in Glasgow for this year’s Commonwealth Games. The show will be one to watch as it is only going to develop and improve in presentation from here.
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 stars
Twists and Turns
Directed by Nigel Turner-Carroll
Musical Direction: Jeremy Brennan
Scripted by Spanky
Performed by Matthew Mitcham, Spanky and Jeremy Brennan
De Parel Spiegeltent, The Urban Orchard, Perth Cultural Centre
Fringe World
1-8 February
