Summary
As the homegrown musical sensation gets set to embark on a tour, prepare to scream as loudly as the fans it so lovingly embraces.
Yve Blake’s FANGIRLS has already developed the kind of reputation that only comes about once every few years. First produced for Belvoir and Queensland Theatre in 2019, and featuring Blake in the lead, it returns with a slightly tweaked cast but all the enthusiasm of its original sold-out run.
Inspired by the way the media depicts the titular fangirls as (to use Blake’s phrase) ‘a bit much’ – especially when contrasted with the equally emotional coverage of sports fans – this musical is a love letter. Presented with only the slightest shades of parody, it’s an exploration of how formative, supportive, and life-changing fandom can be during one’s teen years.
The story mostly focuses on 14-year-old Edna (played by Karis Oka in this production), a scholarship genius in love with Harry (AYDAN) from the British band True Connection. She knows that only she understands him, and sees their unexpected Australian tour as a chance to let him know. If only Edna can get close to him.
FANGIRLS is, at its core, a love story. It asks us to not underestimate how important and intense a connection fandom can be for teens, and to not dismiss it. By the same token, Blake’s intent is for this to be a “show where teenagers felt like they had full permission to be there.” (Indeed, at our session the audience skewed to that demographic – which was an impressive feat on a Monday night).
When the show takes a hard turn in the second act (the first of many delightful surprises), what grounds the adrenaline-fuelled script are the relationships formed throughout. Some of these are physical ones, at school or with Edna’s mother (the excellent Sharon Millerchip), while others reflect on the increasingly important presence of social media in finding one’s tribe.
Using the lightning speed typical of youth speech (and 1930s gangsters), the pop-infused songs immediately transform a bedroom or a locker room into a full-on stage spectacle. Standouts include the aspirational ‘Wait and See’ early in the show, and the showstopper ‘Feels So True.’ Apart from being catchy as hell, the latter explores the myriad of themes from gender to complex online communities in under four minutes.
It’s also one of the songs that makes terrific use of screens, giant monoliths that dominate the backdrop before coming alive at opportune moments. Neither gimmicky nor obstructive, they form part of the story by incorporating social media style graphics, testimonials and news footage. This plays an especially important role when the show directly addresses the global fandom community through live chats, fanfic and video stories.
Karis Oka (last seen in the similarly pop-driven Six) steps confidently into the lead, not only making it her own but bringing levels of youthful authenticity to the part. Returning cast members Millerchip, Ayesha Madden, James Majoos, AYDAN, and Chika-Ikogwe are clearly still having a ball playing these characters, and it’s infectious. Just look at the crowd reaction as Madden emerges at key intervals, strutting across the stage ensconced in sequins and streamers.
One of the best ironies of the show is the fanbase that it has developed. Social media is filled with the kind of fan art, tributes and gushing praise you regularly see for shows like Hamilton. With an unquestionably Australian sensibility, there’s a universality to its themes that is clearly connecting to multiple generations of theatre goers. So, like all the biggest bands, get in and see it now so you can say you did back when.
FANGIRLS plays a a sell-out season at the Seymour Centre until 20 February. The tour kicks off at the Adelaide Festival (27 February – 14 March), Merrigong Theatre, Wollongong (18 – 21 March), and Canberra Theatre Centre (24 – 28 March).
2021 | Australia | DIRECTOR: Paige Rattray | WRITERS: Yves Blake (Music, Book and Lyrics) | CAST: Karis Oka, AYDAN, Danielle Barnes, Chika Ikogwe, Shubshri Kandiah, Ayesha Madon, James Majoos, Sharon Millerchip, Tomáš Kantor, Shannen Alyce Quan| PRODUCTION: Belvoir, Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival | RUNNING TIME: 150 minutes incl. interval | RELEASE DATE: 30 January – 28 March (Various)
