Review – Mercedes Benz Awkwardly
When: 23rd Feb – 6th Mar (excl. Wed) @ 10 PM
Prices: Adults $20| Bank SA $18 | Conc., Groups, Fringe Benefits $16 – Buy Tickets
Company: Hannah Williams
THE Fringe is all about taking a punt. About going to see shows or artists you’ve never heard of. And I’m extremely glad I did.
Hannah Williams’ alter ego, Mercedes Benz, is just like any other ‘girl next door’ – affable, quirky, pretty and cute. Except, she’s a stripper.
She dives headfirst into the ‘industry’ without much regard for it’s codes or even the strange clientele.
While she tries her hardest to fit in, she soon finds out that she doesn’t have a low enough IQ to make it in this trade.
Williams tells this heartfelt and often hilarious tale with a poignancy unknown to younger artists.
Her use of the stage is very effective and the music brings welcome breaks to an otherwise wordy script.
She also wears very little on stage, which only helps heighten the sense of awkwardness with the audience.
While it could benefit from some tighter editing (of the action and the script), it was generally a very enjoyable show. It would also help if the audience is a little more willing to play along.
On the night I went to see it, the audience were particularly prudish.
I also noticed that the female audience members seemed to enjoy the show a little more than their male counterparts.
It’s hard to pull-off a solo show of this nature and Williams does a commendable job.
Williams has great comedic timing and a charming personality; I look forward to more entertaining theatre from her.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, funny tale about a stripper who’s too smart for her own good, then you should give this show a shot.
Heckler recommends this show as an ideal choice for ‘date-night’ or ‘girls night out’.
Pro-tip: Leave your conservative self at the door and have some fun with Hannah when she reaches out and interacts with the audience.
You can read our 10 Quick Qs with Hannah here.
