Melbourne Fringe Review: Gorilla, Lovely Gorilla

Make sure to check out our guide to the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2015

We all have stories unfold around us in our lives, either through what we experience or what we observe. Sometimes, with a little bit of creative thinking, a show can be devised that absolutely nails the conflicts, the patterns, and the beauty, of those things we see around us. ‘Gorilla, Lovely Gorilla’ is one such show, following the observations of a zoo worker and her interactions with both the human and animal world. It’s the kind of setting that is ripe for such a diverse range of thematic exploration, and this is one such performance that delivers upon that expectation, right from the moment the audience is immersed in the beautiful soundscape that kicks off the show.

Michelle Nussey has a strong clutch upon storytelling and scene setting that successfully enforce the tones, themes, and pacing required. The show contains a wonderful mixture of direct observations, solo scenes, film footage, and a laugh out loud musical interlude, (which shall not be spoilt), that are remarkably held together by the solid proficiency of its one and only actor. Michelle shows consistent wisdom when it comes to presenting her material; through her expressions, her voice, and her movements on stage, she keeps the audience with her for the journey, knowing when to make them laugh, stop and think, or just absorb the environment being created. By the end of the show you will be feeling wiser and delighted yourself. Come and get immersed while there are still shows left.

– Corey

Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.

Gorilla, Lovely Gorilla’ runs from 18-25 September, 6.45pm (50mins), with the exception of Sunday 20th (5.45pm), and no show Monday.

Upstairs at Errols, 69-71 Errol St, North Melbourne.
The venue is not accessible.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of ‘Gorilla, Lovely Gorilla’.