It’s a slightly disappointing turn out for opening night of Famous Sharron’s performance. I guess 6.30pm on a Tuesday isn’t necessarily the most accessible time for people. I myself had to close up shop early to get here on time (sshhhh..).

We are welcomed to the event by an Australian accented voice. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and non intrusive to the eardrums, unlike most. Despite the horrendously abbreviated delivery there is nothing to suggest this show will be I’ll-slap-you-in-the-face-with-my-booming-voice humor (always a risk with an Australian comedian). Her demeanor is also just a tad meek sounding, which makes the boldness about her own fame extremely endearing.

Enter the ‘Famettes’ some of Australia’s best improvisers (as quoted on the website) and also Sharron’s three sidekicks. They arrive and assault our eyes with a combination of fluro lycra and embarrassingly Dad-ish dance moves. Sharron sings what I assume her theme song and demonstrates just how important she is with what she is wearing: a gold sequined floor length dress contrasted by bright pink cheeks and a ginormous feathered headpiece. 

Fabulous, doll!  I have long forgotten about the fact that it’s only Tuesday as normally that many sequins don’t come out until Friday.

Our first guest to play the fame game is local Wellington comedian James Nokise who Sharron questions on a variety of things: is it true he was in a gang? Did he murder anyone whilst in it? And most importantly, what is it like being the only Samoan/Welsh comedian in New Zealand?

James and Sharron get along swimmingly with Sharron free styling the show along appropriately. She occasionally makes digs at audience members, which are taken more positively as the show goes on. 

Who should be our second guest but Annette King, our favourite politician (‘favourite’ said only in essence of current situation; review not to be mistaken as the start of a political forum… even though you are a favourite, Annette)! She joins James and Sharron on a bright pink blow up couch, which doesn’t seem as sturdy as it ideally should. It is certainly very cosy if not stable.

Sharron has done her research about these local celebrities as Annette is questioned about her (second!) cousin who is a member of the National Party. No one doubts the awkward family Christmases.

After the general questioning come a series of games aimed at making these already celebrities even more celebrity. This part involves the Famettes, who prove themselves (probably) the best improvisers in Australia. From a re-make of James’ life to a one word at a time game, from an improvised infomercial to a staged press conference, the improvisers are there to boost the show as well as to offer fluidity and potential material to the guests on stage. And they do it bloody well!

A bit of audience input sees Annette King swearing in an extremely crass manner. I doubt anything similar will ever be heard again. Hopefully no one was filming that part for her next campaign’s sake. One lucky audience member is even offered the chance to increase her own fame by becoming what her childhood self always wanted. 

A show like this only pulls through with enthusiastic improvisers, a bit of luck with who is chosen to participate and a fantastic host. Tonight, it all comes together. I must also mention the keyboard player who manages to play brilliantly and unashamedly all evening in a tuxedo made entirely of lycra. No mean feat for most of us. The keyboard or the lycra sure, but both? Amazing.

I can only hope Sharron’s coming performances have the same quality of guest on hand. If they don’t, I have no doubt that Sharron and the Famettes will still be able to put on an entertaining show.

And I now have a new childhood dream (I’m still a child in my mid 20’s): to be as fabulous (and as famous!) as Sharron when I grow up.

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