Fred – Basement Theatre

Fred is a one woman show. Fred is also an amorphous blob with nuclear-green eyes that, in the end, saves the day. You could say that this show is about cannibalism and ice-cream because, largely, it is. But it is also about the unknowns and ambiguities of trauma which are eventually confronted with humanity and wisdom. The show is penned and performed by Lisa Chappell and delivers a black comedy that is drunk on schizophrenia, but garnished with humour and some marvellous witticisms.

Lisa’s central character is Deidre. Deidre is attempting to come to terms with a traumatic episode. This particular episode however is far more bizarre and horrifying than one can imagine but with the help of her imaginary friend Fred, Deidre achieves a triumph (of sorts) that is as baffling as her traumatic ordeal. Beware, this is not a laugh-out-loud type of black comedy but Chappell’s writing is clever and one cannot help but smirk through the shocking revelations of her tale. Chappell creates a constant suspense for details and her manic energy and insane twitching hold a constant state of nervousness over the audience.

Fred is a constant presence throughout and steals the show with his provocative dialogue that challenges the often erroneous treatment of mental anguish. It comes as no surprise that Fred was considered to be a highlight of the Sydney Fringe Festival, it is challenging, unusual and maddening in all the right ways. If you are a lover of fringe theatre and are at home with the weird then get down to the choice as Basement Theatre, just a little advice though – eat beforehand.

Fred will be showing at the Basement Theatre until April 24

Reviewed by Ben Blackman

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