Image: O&J Wikner Photography
Liz Lea is a 50-something showgirl, exploring post-menopause in a show that combines dance, song, video, pyrotechnics, comedy and burlesque. She's a fascinating figure and puts on a show that is visually spectacular - choreographing herself and two dance teams in a range of production numbers and moments that makes for a tight one hour of spectacle and insight.
It's difficult to pin this one down into a specific genre - it's not quite a dance show, not quite a standup routine - but part of the joy of the genre shifting is that it never becomes dull as there's always something new coming up soon . Lea is fantastically costumed (costumes by herself, Bruce Scott and Cate Clelland), stunningly lit by Karen Norris and supported by strong video elements (technical director Roni Wilkinson). Some of the writing for the stand-up portion, in all honesty, could be a little tighter - but it makes Lea relatable in her confessional nature, not too over-polished (though talking about her concussions makes me a little worried when she starts dancing again that she doesn't endanger herself!). The support of seven-member showgirl troupe High Kix and dance troupe Silver Stars gives the show added dazzle when required.
A visual spectacle with a strong theme, this is a joyous, compelling look at aging that never stops being entertaining.
