MDMA: Modern Day Maiden Aunt

Geraldine Quinn hits the stage running in this bright, fast-moving expose on being single, unmarried and …. how can she possibly cope? … childless! Her show is witty, close to the bone, and very carefully scripted, rehearsed and timed. It mixes stand up comedy and raunchy, well-written songs in a show that has real personal appeal.

Quinn’s material is based on her experience as the maiden aunt to nineteen nieces and nephews and the childless friend of many married couples with children – as well as the only unmarried daughter of a despairing father! Her experiences resonate with the variety of folk in the audience: other singles, parents – and grandparents - who recognize themselves, and those who just appreciate a good performer who can tap into the quirks of society in such an entertaining way.

Quinn’s voice is strong and gutsy, her phrasing and enunciation clear, ensuring that none of the humour in her carefully constructed lyrics is lost. Every song impacts on the story that precedes it – and every song is punchy and just a little bit risqué.

Quinn’s energy is infectious. She works the audience with her eyes, captures them with her personal approach and holds them for the full hour of the show. She sets a fast tempo and sustains it, carefully pacing herself, never missing a cue and never allowing the audience to slip out of her control.

How lucky we are to have a theatre that is bringing cabaret performers like Geraldine Quinn to the Sydney scene. What a pity her season isn’t longer!

Carol Wimmer