Jake Mace
Step into the ring with Big Red – the ex-wrestling, gruffly queer now stand-up comedian alter ego of Georgina Musgrave. Over an hour of dutifully chaotic and energetic comedy we’re treated to topics ranging from ringside lamentations, moving to Brisbane from the other side of the world, adjusting to Australian life, hook-ups in hostel bunks, and Big Red gladly rampaging through our discarded thoughts on each of our phones (consensually, of course). Adorning over the top drag-style make up and a bright red outfit, an hour with Big Red is sure to be an unforgettable one.
It’s hard to know where Big Red starts and the performer ends – the show is performed in a uniquely half-in-character, half-out-of-character format that draws inspiration from Musgrave’s personal life. This is contrasted by some hysterical moments of physical comedy and slapstick where Big Red slams down, and then seduces a stool. The complete experience is thoroughly entertaining, and watching Red cause as much mayhem as she can.
One of the big themes of the hour is oversharing – and Big Red is happy to share with us all kinds of thoughts about sexuality, queerness, and what moving to a new country in your mid-twenties looks like. There’s a hefty amount of self-deprecation that is then intertwined with audience interaction that invites us all to take part – and results in a cathartic feeling in the room. Big Red elects one member of the audience to volunteer to be her ‘Ring Girl’, signalling the start of each ’round’ we tackle, named after one of her world-famous wrestling moves.
In another moment, Big Red chooses an audience member to be her boyfriend, in an exploration of what it means to not be a ‘gold star gay’ and still have a queer identity. Beyond this, Red makes a direct appeal to the straights in the room, and the whole thing is a massively inclusive laugh. The exploration of queerness is the closest we get to profundity in this piece, but Red just wants us to be a part of this massive, hilarious overshare-fest, plus, she’s committed to going for a pint with any audience member who asks her, and who could refuse that offer?
Rip-roaringly frivolous fun – you’ll find it hard not to leave this with a beaming smile on your face.
Recommended Drink: Grab a pint with Big Red after the show!
You can catch Big Red until August 24th (not the 13th or 20th) at Playground 3 at ZOO Playground from 17:10 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
