Playing at Bard’s Apothecary until October 10. More information and tickets via melbournefringe.com.au/fairytale-ending
Half British, half Irish, 100% endearing, Roisin McAlinden is an effervescent performer who dives headfirst into her traumatic love life and her quest to find the sort of fairytale romance that she grew up watching in classic Disney animated flicks.
McAlinden really takes the audience on a journey in detailing her last few years living in Australia since moving here from the UK, as well as the tough break up with a long-term partner that preceded her relocation here, and the way in which she finds it hard to completely shake the rose-coloured view of love that the movies of her childhood promised her.
An interactive game of “Smash or Pass” featuring the Disney princes of years gone by is a great way to get us into McAlinden’s mindset, as she explains how moving to Melbourne has completely changed how she views her sexuality, while teaching some in the audience what exactly ethical non-manogamy is. Apparently Melbourne is the home of people who practice it, who knew!
With an infectious laugh and incredibly warm stage presence, McAlinden warns us in advance that there’s one joke where she was accused of being a tad too angry, but for the most part, she couldn’t have been more likeable and appealing.
Fairytale Ending is an incredibly tight and focused hour of comedy and storytelling, as McAlinden details her experiences with an initially kind, but ultimately rotten ex, with the details of that relationship making up most of the second half of the show.
While this isn’t the first show to be written about how tough love and dating is in the modern age, McAlinden is a wonderful storyteller and her writing is incredibly sharp. There’s a great running gag where she turns to a magic mirror (ala Snow White) for a bit of reassurance and guidance when things seem the bleakest.
The intimate performance space of the Melbourne’s Bard’s Apothecary venue is a perfect setting for McAlinden’s cosy brand of storytelling, which could be described as both genial and laidback, but quietly passionate at the same time.
Witty and charming in equal measure, Fairytale Ending is a wonderful showcase for McAlinden’s talents, and we’re very lucky that she has decided to make Melbourne her home.
3.5/5 STARS
Image: Chris Hillary
