Brand New Dress

It’s no surprise that queer cabaret artist Andy Freeborn writes and sings about themselves.  Talking about yourself is logical for any young solo artist, especially in this current wave of theatre from trans performers with so many stories newly heard.  But with just a keyboard for company, Andy is such an intelligent lyricist and expressive fantasist that their songs speak way beyond their spotlight.

We meet first an articulate non-binary dragon who totally confuses King Arthur on his quest to kill them, and then other knights, kings and dragons from young fantasies, as Andy places candles along the keyboard representing, if somewhat obscurely, themes and issues of childhood.  

Andy also sings beautifully about a boy called Robert who likes the way he looks dressed in his Mum’s clothes; and leaves us finally with their stirring title song about the joy and new freedom of acquiring a Brand New Dress.  Their lyrics and such yearning and exalting vocals conjure the affable appeal of a Tim Minchin.

It helps too that Andy Freeborn is blessed with an unguarded smile and amiability on their open face - and a stunning mane of red hair.

Their journey though still carries the pain of rejection. Growing up in a Catholic family in Adelaide, Andy’s first coming out as gay was greeted by Dad as just another on the path of Elton John; but Andy’s later announcement of being non-binary was far, far harder. So was the swimming pool official who, despite Andy’s preference, insisted all trans girls must tuck their genitals behind. Even in good times, Andy’s on-going anxiety rises to the surface expressed in the urgent song Am I Still Safe.

It’s an endearing and enlightening show, a landmark before Andy must surely acquire onstage some instrumental backing and interaction, and as the pain subsidies, the freedom to leave some autobiography in the past.  Watch out for Freeborn.

Martin Portus

Photogapher: Rebecca Elliott