Reviews

Disco Never Dies

Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Hordern Pavilion. January 22, 2026

The rebels once behind Disco Sucks thought they’d won the fight but, as the title says, Disco Never Dies, especially judging by the masses who turned up at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. 

The packed bleachers and huge dance floor was a glittery reminder of Mardi Gras but on stage it was the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, playing the hits that this older audience grew up with. And were still dancing to.

Primal

Highwire Entertainment and FringeWorld. Directed by Elena Kirschbaum. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA. Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2026

Primal is the kind of out-there show that people think of when they think of Fringe Festivals but has two great things in its favor. 1. This show is very, very good. 2. No sticky tent for this one - you’re in the most comfortable venue in Fringe World.

Gasha

Cirquework and Fringe World. ICF Warehouse at the Ice Cream Factory, Roe St, Northbridge WA. Jan 21 - Feb 15, 2026

Gasha, presented by Cirquework, hails from Japan, and this headliner show, in one of FringeWorld’s larger venues, runs the full length of FringeWorld.

Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells

By Lisa Gatenby. Fringe World. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. Jan 21 - 25, 2026

It is fabulous that the Fringe World Festival really caters to all ages and tastes - and this show, playing at the heritage listed Old Mill Theatre, is a fabulous choice for the Primary Set.

This one-wizard show opens unconventionally and continues with multiple surprises throughout, that had the young audience yelling with enthusiasm and bouncing in their seats (which is fine because Old Mill’s steep rake ensures everyone can see).

Recess Duty

By Amy Fortnum. Directed by Cal Silberstein. Brightside Productions and Fringe World. The Blue Room Theatre, Perth Cultural Centre, WA. Jan 22-24, 2026

This is a show that I wish I could shout “Go and see it now! It is brilliant!”. Unfortunately, it has very deservedly sold out, so I will be crossing my fingers that somewhere, somehow, Recess Duty gets a return season.

Mel McGlensey is Normal

By Mel McGlensey and Douglas Wilson. Directed by Sharnema Nougar. FringeWorld. The Parlour, The Pleasure Garden, Northbridge WA. Jan 21 - Feb 1, 2026

If you are planning a night out at FringeWorld, a fabulous way to end your evening is with Mel McGlensey is Normal, a perfect dessert of a show, in which self-described "alternative comedian” desires to prove themselves normal.

Trapped inside a simulation “Nor Mel” Mel needs to prove herself normal to speak at a gala, and the audience need to help. Yes, there is audience participation, but never without your consent.

Anatomy of a Rom Com

By Claire Boon. Directed by Elizabeth Hamilton. Lavender Collective and Fringe World. The Jonesway Theatre, Northbridge, WA. Jan 22-24, 2026

Anatomy of a Rom Com is a lesbian love story (that at first threatens not to be) presented by the Lavender Collective, a group of sapphic storytellers and performers. Warm and funny, it features a talented and hard-working cast.

Risque Cabaret with Jessie Gordon and Mark Turner

By Jessie Gordon. Fringe World. The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth, WA. Jan 21-25, 2026

If you want some sizzle in your Fringe viewing, you can’t go past Risque Cabaret with Jessie Gordon and Mark Turner, playing this week at The Ellington.

The glamorous jazz duo and best of friends opened their season to an almost capacity crowd who adored this gorgeously sung, and just a little bit naughty cabaret show.

Emily in Perth - This is Me

By Emily Lambert. FringeWorld. The Red Room, Leederville Hotel, WA. Jan 21 - Feb 8, 2026

If you are looking for a fabulous way to kick off your Fringe Binge for 2026, you can’t go past Emily Lambert’s Emily in Perth - This is Me. This one-woman cabaret looks at Emily’s Musical Theatre career so far, and the people and places that have shaped it, through some fabulous songs and some great stories.

Bloom and Wonder

By Liisa Nuuk and Jeromy Nuuk. Hand some Feet and Fringe World. Rehearsal Room One, State Theatre Centre of WA. Jan 21 - Feb 1, 2025

If Stage Whispers’ first Fringe World show for 2026 is indicative of what is to come, we are in for great Fringe World Festival. Hands some Feet’s World Premiere of Bloom and Wonder, circus for babies and toddlers, is a gentle, warm little show that clearly appealed to its target audience, judging from the giggles and wide eyed-delight.

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