Liquid Room Annexe

Aug 27-30

20:25

****

‘Married to herself. Divorced from reality.’

I’ve seen a few one-human shows this Fringe, but none of them can touch Christel Bartelse’s widely-toured Oneymoon for sheer entertainment. Like a love-filled, fluff-bunny on crack, this Canadian comic-actress flounces about her stage with the joy of teenage girl before her bedroom mirror initiating herself into the world of fashion. Her story is a simple one. She is one of those modern women who, searching for the perfect husband to come along for so long has become quite neurotic about it, & absolutely insists that on a first date she & her prospective mate must list each other flaws in order to determine compatibility. These neuroses have then tipped her over the edge into ‘where’s-my-medication‘ delusional behaviour – & at the start of the play we find her on honeymoon… married to herself!

Of the plays creation, Christel told the Mumble, ‘I was struggling with my own issues surrounding relationships, being single & a fear of commitment. What did I really want? I decided to go on a Solo Beach vacation. As I was packing, it felt like I was going on a ‘Honeymoon for one’… a ONEymoon.’ After her time at the beach, & a spot of being unfaithful to herself with a waiter named ‘Roberto,’ Christel returns to her life in the big city. Although firmly committed to herself, we witness the inevitable break-down of her ‘marriage.’ Just because she was married to herself doesn’t mean the marriage is special – it too becomes under the same pressures that any conjugal commingling is under. She begins to argue with herself, while the vibrator becomes a cold, unfeeling piece of plastic… it used to be out four times a day, then once a week, & towards the end of the play once every two months!

Surreal, silly & splendid, Oneymoon is a jolly romp through a woman’s insecurities & phantasies : a most special play garnished with a special performance. FOUR STARS

****

Reviewer : Damo Bullen