Melbourne Reviews

Kyria in ‘Stark Raving Dad’, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, is a promising show. A one-woman show, directed by Olivia Bonnici and performed by Kyria, ‘Stark Raving Dad’ wears its heart firmly on its sleeve.

 

This show explores Katie Wiseman’s attempt to make retrospective sense of a father/daughter relationship that is both warm yet estranged. Kyria focuses particularly on Dad, Larry’s ability to retain knowledge, his vision problems and on his love of game shows, something apparently shared by his daughter.

 

Suitably, Kyria in ‘Stark Raving Dad’ is simply presented, the lighting is effective but the set, in particular the positioning of the props, needs more thought and style. As a performer, Kyria is skillful, affectionate and engaging, but the alternating characters portrayed here need to be differentiated far more, as it is often confusing as to who is talking when. This confusion is also evident in the narrative, which perhaps needs a further draft in order for this to be rectified and to fill in some of the needed details. I certainly applaud Kyria for being able to keep her focus in a venue that is distractingly noisy.

There are moments of gentle warmth and humour in ‘Stark Raving Dad’, but ultimately although showing good potential, in many respects it is not finished. I can certainly perceive a better show emerging from what is presently here and would encourage that process, as I think it does an audience good to view theatre with heart.


A-List Entertainment Presents
Kyria in Stark Raving Dad

Venue: The Tent, North Melbourne Town Hall
Dates: 28 Sept - 13 Oct 2007
Times: 9.30pm, 8.30 Sundays
A-List members & theatre groups at concession price Excluding Mondays
Tickets: Preview $14.50, Conc $14.50, Full $15.50, Group $14.50, Tightarse Tues $12.50
Bookings: Festival Tix: 03 8412 8777 or www.melbournefringe.com.au