Review: SYDNEY FESTIVAL Meow Meow 's LITTLE MERMAID Ponders The Eternal Struggle To Find Everlasting Love

Tuesday 12 January 2016, 9:45pm, Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Hyde Park Sydney

Weimar inspired cabaret star Meow Meow (Melissa Madden Gray) brings her poignant philosophical ponderings of love to the SYDNEY FESTIVAL with her interpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen's LITTLE MERMAID. Dark, twisty and very grown up, this shows returns the 'fairy tale' to the old world analysis of the complexity and pain of life and is definitely not a celluloid cartoon but a rich expression of the pain and heartache that comes with looking for love in the real world.

Enveloped in leopard print fur coat, toting bags and sobbing, the distinctive 'cabaret diva' bundles herself onto the roughly covered brown seat situated at the center of the Magic Mirrors Speigeltent and explains that "This show is all about happiness". With a voice reminiscent of Lesley Joseph's character Dorien from BBC's Birds of a Feather, Meow Meow seeks to escape the cruel damaged world in favor of an under the sea fantasy complete with mermaid tails and dancing rocks in her quest for True Love.

Stripped down to corset, tutu ruffles and sparkling back seamed fishnets, Meow Meow sings and 'swims' her way through the depths of her subconscious to seek an understanding for what she wants in a partner and why she can't find her prince that fairytales have told us are waiting to rescue the damsel. Utilizing a blend of song, physical comedy and personal reflection, the pace is for the most part maintained, only lagging when the audience participation isn't as forthcoming as would be expected of a late night cabaret show.

She presents her philosophy with heart and honesty and it is clear that this work is based on more than just a novel concept but rather draws on personal experience. As she talks directly to the audience, we see the neuroses that can plague those that have faced disappointment and rejection when it comes to the search for love. You can hear the murmur of sympathy as the new crush, the delicious Chris Ryan, tells the finned chanteuse that he's a 'leg man' as many can relate to those callous rejections.

Meow Meow's vocals are rich, powerful and moving in their texture and nuanced delivery where every word is meant. She sings in English, German, French and Dolphin with a variety of styles and is supported by The Siren Effect Orchestra with additional delightful vocals from Ryan.

Meow Meow's LITTLE MERMAID is a wonderful analysis of life and love set with creative theatrics and an inventive set (Anna Cordingley) and is a must see for anyone that has loved, been loved, or been unlucky in love.

MEOW MEOW'S LITTLE MERMAID

SYDNEY

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Hyde Park, Sydney

6 January 2016 - 23 January 2016

Wednesday 24 - Sunday 28 Feb 2016
Bookings and info perthfestival.com.au

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