Accessible theatre, structured handbags and childhood memories
From the world's latest champion of one-person shows (me).
Hello, it’s great to
see you here
Editor – Phoebe Tully
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One of my resolutions this year is to always have something in the calendar to look forward to.
Over the past few years I’ve really let that slip. Lockdowns, business building and introversion have all contributed to a calendar full of Zoom meetings, appointments and professional development – so I’m making 2023 is full of theatre shows, dinner parties and weekends away.
When I booked my tickets to Bloom Girl (more on this below), I thought I would be living in Brisbane by then – I was a month off. So last weekend I packed the dogs into the car and spent an unexpected weekend away, hanging out with my sister, drinking martinis at Boom Boom Room, nibbling on charcuterie at Cordeaux Social Club and setting up office at Wineology’s window seat for a few hours.
So here’s to more things in the calendar to look forward to. A good example of The Small Things in life.
Solo acts.
Last week I went to see Bloom Girl ($$), written and performed by Charli Burrowes, and directed by Elise Lamb. The show has started in Brisbane, but will be touring Sydney, London and Edinburgh.
Bloom Girl was a striking reminder of the absolute vulnerability of a one-person show – nowhere to hide, no way to camouflage the paper-thin separation of character, writer and actor.
This 2008 article by Molly Flatt was lamenting the lack of one-woman shows, and I think, maybe, her wish has come true. One of the best shows of any kind that I have seen was Songs for Nobodies, written for Bernadette Robinson by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Simon Phillips. The musical show focuses on five of Robinson's singing idols – Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas – with Robinson playing 10 different women within the 90-minute performance. I saw it in 2010, now over a decade ago, and still think about it to this day.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag was famously a one-woman show at Edinburgh Fridge before the cultural phenomenon it became. She’s already being called “the next Phoebe Waller-Bridge”, so if I was in Sydney I’d be booking tickets to see One Woman Show ($$), written and performed by Liz Kingsman.
Basically, my point here is that this is a really intriguing genre – it’s risky while also being low-key and often at an accessible price point. Let’s all book more tickets to one-person shows this year.
Can a bag make you cool?
I’ve not yet replaced the 10-year-old wallet I mentioned several editions back, but I’m now thinking about also replacing my “everyday” handbag – not quite as old as said wallet, but not of the same quality and very clearly now falling apart. Clearly I’m an over-thinker; this probably doesn’t need pointing out.
Here are a few chic, structured leather handbags I’m looking at, all with adjustable straps for wearing either cross-body or over one-shoulder:
Oroton’s Alexa Crossbody ($$$) comes in four simple colours and gorgeous brass hardware.
The Parisa Wang Unlocked Bag ($$$) is very ladylike and structured with the top handle, and some really lovely colour combinations.
Demellier’s Vancouver bag ($$$$) is sleek and structured while giving off major “cool girl” vibes I have no right to give. I love that Demellier gives lifetime repairs, and this particular bag has 13 colour variations.
DO | plot out three of the most promising garage sales in town, then grab coffee to go and head out early.
MAKE | Persian Love Cake for Valentine’s Day next week, because it is an extraordinarily delicious and expensive cake to make but 14 February is the perfect excuse.
READ | James and the Giant Peach – Roald Dahl (or listen to Taika Waititi and friends commentate the book for charity, which is outrageously funny)
WATCH | And God Created Women (1956)
LISTEN | Old Cape Cod – Patti Page