SWEET SIXTEEN OR THE BIRTHDAY PARTY MASSACRE
With the middle of September right on our doorsteps, The Sydney Fringe Festival is already in full swing, showcasing a collection of the most talented underground artists that this city has to offer. Many of these artists can claim a wide variety of influences. For Tommy Bradson, the genius behind the highly anticipated Sweet Sixteen or The Birthday Party Massacre, it all began with a steady diet of rock and roll and one particular dress.
“I have been a huge fan of old school rock and roll since I was a kid because my dad was a big Elvis Presley fan,” he explains. “But in particular, it came from a dress that I saw in a shop window in Melbourne that I really wanted to wear. I just wanted to write a show where I could wear that dress!”
He spent the next two to three months perfecting his vision of Lula Whitlam and her surprise birthday party. Collaborating with acclaimed Melbourne musician John Thorn, he presents what he describes as a “good Aussie show” that will allow the audience to heartily head-bang to classic tunes of the 60s.
“The concept for this show is that the audience are guests at this birthday party taking place before them,” Tommy says. “And I mean, I get really lonely yakking on onstage by myself you know? I like to talk to people. I’ll find them and get them involved. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
With the promise of cake, blood, and rock‘n’roll, Lula Whitlam’s sweet sixteenth will be one outrageously rockin’ affair. Would you dare wreck the surprise?
Sep 25-29, Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, $26-30, 9351 7940, seymourcentre.com
By Chelsea Deeley
