Courtney Act - Under the Covers

Courtney Act - Under the Covers begins with Courtney Act literally under the covers of a brightly covered bed that takes up most of the stage. She bursts from the bed, stunningly attired, to sing Bjork’s cover of Betty Hutton’s cover of Horst Winter’s “It’s Oh So Quiet”. A show about covers - musical and otherwise - with more depth than you would expect.

I didn’t think that Courtney Act needed any introduction or explanation, but a conversation with people while waiting for this show to begin suggested otherwise. Courtney Act is the alter ego of Shane Jenek. She came to national prominence as a contestant on the first season of Australian Idol and has continued performing ever since, including being a runner up on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Last month Shane and Courtney competedon the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother - winning this competition.

Courtney Act - Under the Covers made its World Premiere at Perth’s Fringe World. According to Courtney, the first couple of performances were under-par (possibly due to lack of preparation due to a longer stint in the Big Brother house than expected). By the end of its run in Perth, Courtney Act - Under the Covers was a slick, funny and clever show with great singing, fabulous costumes and amazing wigs, more ‘reveals' than Eurovision and warm audience interaction.
This was a brilliant close to Fringe World for many patrons, and a great debut for a show that I am sure will continue with huge success.

Kimberley Shaw

Links to more Fringe World 2018 Reviews