Belinda Raisin’s cabaret character study explores a swathe of common first world problems including the inability to reconcile expectation with reality. For compulsive procrastinator Francis, trying to get her life in order is not an easy task.
As the audience enters, they find chairs arranged neatly around rows of tables, each complete with To Do lists. The impressive skills of pianist and composer Jamie Teh are demonstrated at the on-stage piano. A series of filing cabinets gives the impression that Francis is organised and methodical. What else could we expect from a control freak?
Yet the character that arrives on stage looks anything but organised and methodical. She is flustered by her out-of-control life, which she’d desperately like to order with lists and schedules. This hilarious comedy cabaret gives us all something to relate to, whether it’s the hectic pace of a modern life, the search for inner peace or advice about when not to drink alcohol.
In true cabaret style, this fast-paced confessional is underscored by fitting music, both modern and classic. Audience members often take the musical cues, laughing along to jokes before the lyrics catch up. Raisin’s vocals and physical comedy are strong, not surprising given her diverse career as an actor, singer and dancer. It’s all wrapped up beautifully in a believable story based on the ridiculousness of the every day struggles of modern life, and tied together with a little soul-searching.
A couple of small, discrete projection screens add emphasis to the confessions and context to some of the stories. It’s an effective set which adds interest without taking too much attention from Francis, as she peels away her facade of control and composure like layers of post-its. But while the character may be a little scatty, Raisin and Teh never miss a beat.
This is a wholly enjoyable show, which warms up the audience early and keeps them laughing. At times it’s difficult to know if the audience is laughing purely at the joke, or because they’ve been there, done that. Yet it’s not without its poignant moments.
This is the show’s second run at the Judith Wright Centre, after a sold-out season in 2013, and it’s been successful at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne Cabaret Festival. While this season at Judith Wright Centre is tragically short, Confessions of a Control Freak is touring regional Queensland through July and August.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Confessions of a Control Freak
Produced by Belinda Raisin and the Judith Wright Centre
Performed by Belinda Raisin
Music and composition by Jamie Teh
Musical direction and composition by Jen Teh
Judith Wright Centre
www.judithwrightcentre.com
15–17 July
