Adelaide Fringe – SOAP | Verse Magazine

I’ll be quite honest. SOAP already had a few things going against it. For one it was 40°C out and I’m not down with that. I was also nursing a hangover and, being an organised/finicky/anxious person I was fussing that I was going to be late. On top of that it was in a section of the Fringe guide labelled cabaret which fills me with trepidation and a tinge of dread.

But, with some tickets I won, good company and a beer in each hand, I at least had an open mind lining up in the sun. Melting.

At first all my worries had been confirmed as a prima donna started wobbling operatic waves straight at my tightening face. No need to be concerned though as the opera soon gave way to Gnarls Barkley (Crazy) and Tool (Schism) and other fitting tracks that complement the chaotic breadth of the show itself.

The show is full of gaze-grabbing acrobatics and hard-core juggling of balls and balance. A lot of it involves several bathtubs and all of it exhibits the performer’s amazing skill and strength.

There are moments when you gasp. I was laughing the whole way through. Soap is even a key prop at times, hence the name I guess. These acrobats are incredibly talented actors and jugglers. They did a great job at involving me all the way at the back of the tent.

Overall it is visually loud, raucous and joyful. There was barely a moment that I didn’t enjoy. If there was a deeper story it was lost on me but I was very entertained nonetheless.

By the end of it you are itching to get another drink and wondering why you aren’t still as excited as you were – it is just that they make it look so darn easy! Really guys, stuff up a few more times to let us appreciate how unboundedly talented you all are!

I would even have paid for it if I knew what I was really in for.

A solid four stars.

SOAP plays at the Panama Club in Victoria Square/Tarndanyangga until the end of the Fringe.

By Robbie Slape.

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