ALL GROWN UP (BUT NOT REALLY) → Comeback Festival
Thursday 27th August, Goodwood Theatre and Studios
FIVE STARS
I already gave five stars to Billie-Rose Russell’s show All Grown Up (But Not Really) during this year’s Adelaide Fringe season because I didn’t really have any valid criticism of how it could have been crafted to be any more joyous than it was. Yet, it returns for this comeback season at Goodwood Theatre and Studios having “grown up” a lot in the past 6 months! Joining forces with Dead Darling Theatre, Billie-Rose Russel delivers another outstanding iteration of this beloved show that reminds us to forever embrace our inner child!
All Grown Up (But Not Really) is a nostalgic hour of whimsical fun. Adults bring their teddies, nostalgic tunes are blasted on the speakers and Billie-Rose reminisces on childhood core memories and the moments and media that raised us. We are invited into her childhood bedroom, this time fully decked out to resemble an almost PlaySchool-typeset. Billie-Rose oozes the outgoing charisma of a child entertainer and we instantly want to be her friend. She lays down the “Room Rules,” namely: “Be Kind,” “Cheer and Clap,” and most importantly, “Spread Youthful Whimsy.”
Joining the cast this time is a NEW! character, which was an exciting addition to the work. Josh Rocca plays Nostalgia, the spritely assistant to the games and fun. Together they are a wonderful comedic duo. Even though the show is about embracing your inner child, there are plenty of humorous adult only jokes in there for us to relate to, and laugh at.
What is unique about All Grown Up, is that the audience participation occurs so organically that audiences are eager to just let go and participate. A sweet new touch was that we all had nametags upon entry (nostalgic in itself), so when the wholesome segment to “make a new friend” occurred, everyone began talking naturally to their seat neighbours.
One of the highlights that I'm glad remained was the school disco that again, had all of us up and dancing! It is a welcome treat that Billie-Rose could perform this at nighttime in a theatre venue, because it meant the lights came down and the glow sticks shone in full - as opposed to her morning slot during Fringe at The Jade. There is something so silly and joyful about seeing an audience full of adults dance to ‘When I Grow Up’ by the Pussycat Dolls on a random Thursday night.
The new scene additions were welcome freshen-ups to the show too. The audience erupted with laughter at Rocca’s Tamagotchi death (RIP), and enjoyed the finale sing-along. Being in a proper theatre venue this time too, allowed for upgraded additions to the lighting and sound effects that further added to the creation of this whimsical childhood escape. A much welcome touch that also helped connect the scenes throughout.
Billie-Rose is a natural in this show and it clearly is a representation of how she personally embraces the nostalgic joys in life. She is organic and smooth in her crowd-work, and also lets her vocals shine as she sings along to 2000s hits.
The return of All Grown Up (But Not Really) is another example of how important these opportunities are for local artists to be given the space, resources and opportunity to grow (up) their show. So, find your childhood teddy, buy a ticket to All Grown Up (But Not Really), and expect to re-unite with your inner child again!
~ By Sophie Tsoulos
Festival Run: till 30th August
Theatre: Goodwood Theatre & Studios
Tickets: https://www.goodwoodtheatreandstudios.com.au/about-1
Photos: Jamois Photo by Jamie Hornsby