In a delicious twist on traditional performance, Fringe World is set to host an entirely improvised cabaret-style musical extravaganza that promises to be different every single night. Penny's Pot Luck Party, arriving in South Fremantle later this month, will place the playlist firmly in the hands of chance and audience participation.
A Musical Menu Drawn From a Pot
The show's concept revolves around a mysterious cooking pot brought to the stage by acclaimed opera singer Penny Shaw. Audience members will be invited to draw various 'ingredients' from this pot, with each item unlocking a unique song, a personal anecdote, or a completely unexpected theatrical twist. This means the evening's course could suddenly shift from opera to jazz, or comedy might seamlessly spill into drama at any moment.
Spontaneity and Joy at the Core
"We built this show around spontaneity and joy," Shaw explained. "There's no fixed set list; the pot decides the menu. The icing on the cake will be to be joined each night by different guest stars. It is a show that will never be the same twice."
Shaw will be accompanied by WA Opera's veteran pianist Tommaso Polli, alongside other special guests who will vary from performance to performance. This adds another layer of unpredictability to the already dynamic format.
A Veteran Performer's Passion Project
Penny Shaw is no stranger to the stage, having been part of the soprano duo DivaLicious and working with WA Opera for over two decades. Her recent credits include a starring role as Ruth in the sold-out season of The Pirates of Penzance, alongside performing and directing with Freeze Frame Opera and an appearance on Australia's Got Talent.
A Venue With Personal Significance
The show will be held at The Terrace Greenhouse, a location of particular personal significance for Shaw. The venue is owned by her close friend Sarah-May Baxter, whom she first met in a South Fremantle mothers' group back in the year 2000 when their eldest sons were just babies.
"The pair have remained close ever since, making this collaboration not only a creative highlight, but also a heartfelt reunion," adding a deeply personal touch to the production's narrative.
Show Details and How to Experience the Magic
Presented by Daisy Productions, Penny's Pot Luck Party will be held at 6pm on January 29, 30, and 31. It represents a bold and joyful addition to the Fringe World lineup, championing live improvisation and audience connection in an intimate South Fremantle setting.
