Karen From Finance’s second solo show sees this beloved character Doing Time (as the title divulges).
The neon-lit “Doing Time” backdrop is lavish by MICF’s standards and Karen’s elaborate, DayGlo-bright ensembles are spectacular throughout. Her opening song-and-dance number is a rendition of When You’re Good To Mama (from the musical Chicago) with customised lyrics (eg. “When you’re good to Karen”). She’s aware that her name has been sullied in recent years (Karen from Brighton etc.) and Karen ponders during this show’s namesake song: “What if my last meal is a fist sandwich!?”
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Premise: we believe Karen is arrested for tax fraud? When Karen hosts the Fountain Lakes Premium High Security Prison For Ladies’ drag brunch, she’s joined by Edith Vale and Maureen McGillicuddy (from Granny Bingo fame) – who were allegedly imprisoned for cheating at the Country Women’s Association’s bake-off (desiccated coconut was banned, apparently) – and their rapid-fire Cardinal George Pell takedown-song garners wild applause.
Karen’s RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under stint (she’s an inaugural season runner-up) is referenced when Schapelle Corby (remember that “terrible impersonation” and costume that nearly sent her home?) makes an appearance, via voiceover, as a fellow inmate. (Karen recommends we Google “Schapelle’s epoxy art” – yep, beach-themed clocks sold via Insta.)
As we’re told during the intro, Karen From Finance Is Doing Time is composed of “a whole heap of really fun, dumb, gay shit” and we loved every minute.
Best bit: Karen’s striptease – removing endless pairs of grundies (you can’t not laugh) – to the tune of You Can Leave Your Hat On.
Audience participation: Constant sing/clap-alongs (highlight: I Want To Break Free).
Grab tickets here.
